Irish exports increased significantly during May, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.
The figures show exports grew by 17 per cent from €6,818 million during April to €7,983 million in May.
Imports were up 6 per cent from €4,556 million in April to €4,822 million for the month of May.
External trade had experienced a significant downturn in April with exports recording a decrease of 10 per cent and imports recording a fall of 13 per cent.
However, despite the upturn in external trade during the month of May, total exports from January to April worth an estimated €29,170 million represent only a 1 per cent increase on the first four months of 2005 during which goods with estimated value of €28,792 million were exported.
The export of medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 7 per cent from €5,248 million to €5,627 million during this period with computer equipment increasing by 4 per cent from €4,279 million to €4,466 million.
During the same first four month period, imports increased by 6 per cent from €18,895 million in 2005 to €20,022 million this year.
The importation of computer equipment showed strong growth, recording a 21 per cent increase, while the importation of goods from China grew by 33 per cent from €1,010 million in 2005 to €1,349 million this year.
