Source: CSO

The Central Statistics Office said today that Irish goods exports were down 1% in November from October 2009 to €6.2 billion, while imports - - - which had been falling sharply for most of 2009 - - increased  6% to €3.6 billion. This gave a trade surplus of €2.66 billion for the month. On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports in the 12 months to November 2009, fell by 14% while the value of imports was down 18%.

Exports declined by 13% relative to September 2009 while imports fell by 5%.

The value of exports in October 2009 was down 14% on October 2008 and the value of imports was down 28%.

Comparison of the preliminary data for November 2009 to November 2008, shows a drop in Machinery and Chemical exports to most destinations apart from an increase in Chemicals to the UK. Machinery imports increased from the USA but fell from elsewhere. There was a general decrease in the imports of Chemicals .

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

Exports decreased from €72,042m to €70,943m (-2%) - - Computer equipment decreased by 27%, Electrical machinery by 30%,Metalliferous ores by 48%, Industrial machinery by 32% and Dairy products by 26%.

Medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 20%, Organic chemicals by 9%, Other transport equipment (including aircraft) by 151% and Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus by 11%.

Goods to Great Britain decreased by 16%, Germany by 21%, France by 7%, Northern Ireland by 21% and the Philippines by 68%. Goods to Belgium increased by 27%, the United States by 12%, Japan by 7% and Bermuda by €119m.

Imports decreased from €48,920m to €37,346m (-24%) - - Computer equipment decreased by 45%, Road vehicles by 76%, Petroleum products by 39% and Iron and steel by 64%.

Other transport equipment (including aircraft) increased by 59% and Power generating machinery by 8%.

Goods from Great Britain decreased by 32%, Germany by 40%, China by 32%, the Netherlands by 20% and Japan by 46%. Goods from the United States increased by 15%, Canada by 19% and Kuwait by €42m.

IBEC head of trade and transport policy Pat Ivory said: "These figures indicate the scale of the challenge that has faced Irish exporters, particularly when trading during last year's period of substantial sterling weakness against the euro. Exports to Britain in the first ten months of 2009 fell by 16% and exports to Northern Ireland were down 21%.

"The recent strengthening of sterling against the euro, along with an improvement in wage competitiveness of around 5% compared to European competitors, may ease trading difficulties somewhat. Although exchange rate pressures remain much more challenging than prior to the current economic crisis.

"Positive currency and competitiveness development, together with stronger demand in a number of export markets, should contribute to a return to export growth this year."