Trade Down In July

Seasonally adjusted exports fell by 8% in July, relative to June 2009 and imports hit a new low point for recent years. June 2009 exports increased by 5% relative to May 2009 while imports decreased by 9%.

On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports in July 2009 was 5% down on July 2008, while the value of imports was down 31%.

The value of exports in June 2009 was up 5% on June 2008 and the value of imports was down 24%.

Comparison of the Preliminary July 2009 to July 2008 data shows an all round drop in trade with the UK.

Chemical exports to the rest of the EU and the USA grew while Machinery imports from the EU and the USA fell.

The January-June figures for 2009 when compared with those of 2008 show that exports increased from €43,244m to €44,321m (up by 2%), while imports decreased from €30,256m to €23,777m (down 21%).