Exports to non-EU states rise 35%

The Republic's exports to non-EU states grew by 35 per cent last year with imports up by 25 per cent, according to the latest figures compiled by the Central Statistics Office. The value of exports was £2.1 billion (€2.7 billion) in December, up 39 per cent on the previous year. Imports were £1.6 billion, 41 per cent higher than in December 1999. The biggest increase in exports was from the US and Norway with the biggest drop in Russia.