Seasonally adjusted exports fell 9 per cent in June from May's high of €8,041 million to €7,339 million, the Central Statistics Office revealed today.
Imports increased 4 per cent in June to €4,961 million, continuing a upward trend seen in recent months.
On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports during the month increased 1 per cent on June 2005, rising to €7,795 million, while the value of imports totalled €4,825 million.
Between January and May 2006, exports increased to €37,361 million from €36,096 million a year earlier. Exports to Britain fell 5 per cent over the five-month period, falling in value to €5,360 million, and goods to Switzerland fell 38 per cent to €971 million.
However, exports to the United States grew 5 per cent to €7,304 million, while Germany and Belgium also increased their Irish imports.
In the individual sectors, exports of medical and pharmaceutical products increased 12 per cent to €6,918 million, while computer equipment exports increased in value from €5,190 million to €5,596 million.
Ireland imported more computer equipment between January and May this year than in the same period in 2005, with a 22 per cent rise to €4,120 million recorded. Also on the rise was petrol, cars and other transport equipment.