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Exports surge to 10 year high in 2012

Wednesday, February 13 11:10:33

Irish exports surged to their highest level in a decade last year, latest trade figures from the CSO showed today.

The value of exports for 2012 was E92,009 million, up 1pc from 2011.

Imports were up by 1.5pc to E49,024 million resulting in a trade surplus of E42,985 million for Ireland.

Exports of Medical and pharmaceutical products decreased by E1,946 million (-7pc) to E24,447 million and the value of Petroleum exports increased by E441 million (35pc) to E1,692 million.

In 2012, the United States (20pc), Belgium (15pc), Great Britain (15pc) and Germany (8pc) were Ireland's main export markets.

Goods to Switzerland increased by E1,384 million (38pc), to Germany by E1,241 million (20pc) and to Great Britain by E949 million (7pc).

Exports to the United States decreased from E21,601 million to E18,160 million (-16pc).

Imports of Other transport equipment (including aircraft) increased by 6pc to E2,491 million. Imports of Medical and pharmaceutical products decreased by 6pc to E4,127 million.

In 2012, Great Britain (31pc), the United States (13pc), Germany (7pc) and China (6pc) accounted for 57pc of total imports.

Imports from the United States increased by 8pc to E6,397 million with decreases from Germany of 8pc to E3,414 million and from Norway of 19pc to E938 million.

Preliminary estimates for December 2012 show seasonally adjusted exports of E6,840 million, down 15pc on November 2012 and seasonally adjusted imports of E3,800 million, down 1pc.