Ireland’s exports to non-EU countries grew by 12 per cent in 2001 and imports declined by 6 per cent, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office today.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, exports increased marginally to €1,559 million in December 2001 from the November value of €1,503 million while imports fell slightly to €2,657 million from €2,675 million.
The unadjusted exports to non-EU countries were valued at €2,288 million in December 2001,18 per cent lower than the November value of €2,790 million.
Imports were valued at €1,469 million in December 2001, 11 per cent lower than the €1,641 million recorded in November 2001.
Apart from a seasonal drop, the fall in exports was significantly influenced by changes relating to the international distribution of merchandise by specific companies. This causes a shift in trade from non-EU to EU countries.
Overall, exports increased from €30,902 million to €34,480 million (+12 per cent)
Exports to the USA increased from €14,259 million to €15,696 million (+10 per cent) while exports to Switzerland increased from €2,040 million to €2,812 million (+38 per cent).
Exports to South Korea decreased from € 1,054m to €696m (-34 per cent).
Imports decreased from €21,485m to €20,299m (-6 per cent).