Exports Recover In June

Seasonally adjusted exports increased by 5% in June, relative to May this year and imports decreased by 9%. Relative to April 2009, exports decreased by 9% in May 2009 while imports grew by 3%.

On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports in June , was up 6% on June last year, while the value of imports was down 24%. The value of exports in May this year was down 4% on the same month last year and the value of imports was down 20%.

Comparing the figures for the first five months of this year with the same period in 2008, exports increased from €36,053m to €36,755m (up by 2%)

Exports to the United States increased by 18%, Belgium by 24%, Switzerland by 12%, Bermuda by €119m and Spain by 5%, while exports to Great Britain fell by 9%, Germany by 20%, the North of Ireland by 24%, the Philippines by 67% and the Netherlands by 8%.

Imports decreased from €25,398m to €20,081m (down by 21%) with imports from Great Britain falling by by 31%, Germany by 47%, China by 26%, Japan by 53%, Italy by 33% and Belgium by 32%.

Imports from the United States increased by 30%, Canada by 38%, India by 37%, Austria by 19% and Argentina by 69%.

Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Billy Kelleher TD commented on the figures saying that he was, "encouraged with this positive news relating to our exports.

"In these very difficult trading circumstances they reflect a job well done by our exporters and I congratulate them in this regard."

He went on to say, "the figures are even more encouraging when viewed in the light of the current global downturn and in particular the fluctuations in exchange rates between the Euro and US Dollar and Pound Sterling. These fluctuations can have negative effects on our levels of trade with the US and the UK, our two largest export destinations."