Source: CSO

The CSO said today that seasonally adjusted Irish merchandise exports fell by 4% in June relative to May 2008 and imports increased by 1%. Relative to April 2008, exports in May increased by 6%, while imports increased by 4%.

On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports in June was down 8% on June 2007, while the value of imports was down 2%. The value of exports in May 2008 was down 1% on May 2007, while the value of imports was down 12%.

The January-May figures for 2008 when compared with those of 2007 show that:

Exports decreased from €37,671m to €36,467m (-3%) – Computer equipment decreased by 25%, Organic chemicals by 10%, Metalliferous ores by 20% and General industrial machinery by 15%. Chemical materials increased by 45%, Medical and pharmaceutical products by 11%, Petroleum products by 71% and Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus by 12% .

Goods to Switzerland decreased by 27%, the Netherlands by 15%, Germany by 7%, the United States by 4% and the Philippines by 58%. Goods to China increased by 39%, Malaysia by 92%, Singapore by 11%, Spain by 6%, Belgium by 5%, Poland by 30% and Russia by 19%.

Imports decreased from €26,968m to €25,382m (-6%) – Computer equipment decreased by 23%, Other transport equipment (including aviation equipment) by 24%, Road vehicles by 18% and Electrical machinery by 15%.

Petroleum products increased by 32%, Fertilisers by 84%, Medical and pharmaceutical products by 13% and Gas by 27%. Goods from China decreased by 14%, Taiwan by 33%, Japan by 17%, the United States by 10%, France by 19% and Germany by 5%. Goods from Libya increased from €28m to €81m (+188%), Denmark by 37%, Poland by 37%, the Netherlands by 7%, Russia by 161% and Finland by 45%.