The trade surplus fell in March as exports decreased 4 per cent and imports rose 8 per cent, the Central Statistics Office said today.
Seasonally adjusted exports fell to €6.7 billion for the month, while imports were €3.8 billion in March.
The figures also showed that for the first two months of the year exports fell 5 per cent to €13.25 billion from from €13.96 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Computer equipment fell 47 per cent and organic chemicals slipped 15 per cent in January and February.
Economists have said that Ireland's economic recovery will be export led, as consumer spending and domestic demand remains weak.
Ireland exported less to Britain during the two months, with goods down 15 per cent. France also showed a decline, falling 17 per cent. However, goods shipped to Spain rose 7 per cent and China imported 8 per cent more Irish goods.
In the same period, imports fell 15 per cent, from €8 billion to €6.9 billion, with large falls seen in computer equipment, other transport equipment and power generating machinery.
Imports of petrol rise 16 per cent, while cars were also up 7 per cent. Medical and pharmaceutical
products rose 7 per cent.
Imports from the US fell 25 per cent, while goods from China also declined, falling 40 per cent. However, imports from Switzerland rose 138 per cent, and goods from Singapore were up 24 per cent.
