Both imports to and exports from Ireland increased during 2006, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.
Exports of merchandise trade were worth €88,704 million in 2006, up 2 per cent on the figures for 2005. The rise was mainly due to the export of organic chemicals and metalliferous ores.
Imports for 2006 were €60,398 million, up 5 per cent on 2005. This increase was principally due to computer equipment.
In December, the value of exports was €7,248 million, down €147 million on December 2005, while imports were €5,281 million, down €254 million.
Preliminary estimates for January 2007 show exports of €7,374 million and imports of €5,600 million.
Comparing the 2006 figures with those of 2005 shows that exports of organic chemicals increased by 4 per cent, while the export of metalliferous ores increased by 67 per cent from to €1,015 million.
The export of beverages increased from €1,014 million to €1,297 million (+28 per cent). Exports of professional, scientific and controlling apparatus decreased by 17 per cent.
Imports of computer equipment were up 13 per cent in 2006, while imports of petroleum petroleum and related materials were up 12 per cent.
Imports of medical and pharmaceutical products increased from €1,995 million to €2,220 million, road vehicles increased from €3,797 million to €4,059 million, while other transport equipment decreased from €2,036 million to €1,368 million.