Source: CSO

The CSO reported today that seasonally adjusted Irish merchandise exports fell by 6% and imports were unchanged in March, relative to February 2009. Relative to January 2009, exports and imports both increased by 6% in February 2009. In US-owned sector Chemical exports outpaced plunge in IT (information technology) equipment.

On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports in March 2009 was up 12%, while the value of imports was down 9% on March 2008. The value of exports in February was down 5% on February 2008 and the value of imports was down 22%.

The January-February figures for 2009 when compared with those of 2008 show that:

Exports decreased from €14,429m to €13,898m (-4%) –Electrical machinery decreased by 40%, Computer equipment by 29%, Chemical products by 26% and Industrial machinery by 42%.

Medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 4%, Organic chemicals by 19%, Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus by 31% and Other transport equipment (including aircraft) by 615%.

Goods to China decreased by 24%, to Great Britain by 6%, to Germany by 19% and to Malaysia by 35%.

Goods to the United States increased by 6%, to Japan by 7%, to Bermuda by €70m and to Switzerland by 111%.

Imports decreased from €10,659m to €8,018m (-25%) –Road vehicles decreased by 74%, Computer equipment by 34%, Other Transport equipment (including aircraft) by 17%, Specialised machinery by 56%, Industrial machinery by 34%, Electrical machinery by 20%, Iron and steel by 49%, Telecommunications equipment by 29% and Petroleum products by 24%.

Power generating machinery increased by 42%, Medical and pharmaceutical products by 7% and Animal feed by 18%.

Goods from Germany decreased by 44%, the United States by 13%, Great Britain by 27%, China by 23%, South Korea by 66% and Japan by 44%.

Goods from Austria increased by 99%, from Argentina by 138%, from Canada by 27% and from Poland by 19%.