The value of Irish exports dropped by 4 per cent between December and January to a seasonally €6.679 billion, according to data released today by the Central Statistics Office.
Imports also declined over the same period, falling 9 per cent to €3,805 billion.
Compared with the same period in 2003, the value of exports was 2 per cent lower in 2004 while the value of imports was down 6 per cent.
First estimates for February 2004 suggest exports for that month are running 7.9 per cent ahead of January at €7.210 billion with imports dropping a further 1.7 per cent to €3.740 billion.
For specific products, the value of computer equipment dropped 6 per cent to €1.126 billion with sales of electrical machinery and parts declining by 9 per cent to €393 million.
Medical and pharmaceutical product exports showed a rise of 3 per cent to €1.031 billion.