Seasonally adjusted exports fell by 10 per cent in November compared to October, while imports showed little change, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The CSO said the value of exports in November was €7.6 billion, down 6 per cent or €494 million on November 2005. The value of imports was €5.4 billion, up 4 per cent or €234 million.
Exports increased from €71.1 billion to €73.6 billion or 3 per cent during the first 10 months of 2006 compared with the corresponding period last year.
Exports of organic chemicals increased 9 per cent, while exports of beverages increased 37 per cent.
Over the same 10-month period, imports increased from €46.7 billion to €49.4 billion or by 6 per cent.
Imports of computer equipment increased from €7.3 billion to €8.4 billion or 16 per cent. Imports of petroleum and related materials increased from €2.7 billion to €3.2 billion or 16 per cent as well.
Goods from China increased from €2.9 billion to €3.5 billion, or by 20 per cent, while goods from the United States fell from €6.5 billion to €5.6 billion or by 14 per cent.