Seasonally adjusted figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show exports rose by 1 per cent in March relative to February's figures and that imports fell by 2 per cent.
The value of exports in March stood at €8,362 million, up €322 million (1 per cent) on the same time last year.
The value of imports was €5,524 million, down 1 per cent, or €40 million, on March 2006.
The January/February figures show that, since the same time last year, exports have increased from €13,440 million to €14,352 - an increase of 7 per cent.
The export of beverages rose by 36 per cent to €184 million, while the sale of telecommunications and computer equipment fell by 18 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.
Imports increased overall, with transport equipment increasing from €242 million to €817 million in the year, and medical and pharma products increasing by 13 per cent.
The importation of petroleum products fell by 23 per cent from €657 million to €509 million.