Irish Trade Surplus Grows In September

Seasonally adjusted exports rose by 11% in September, relative to August 2009 and imports fell by 2%. August 2009 exports declined by 6% relative to July 2009 while imports fell by 4%.

On an unadjusted basis, the value of exports in September was unchanged from September 2008, while the value of imports was down 26%. The trade surplus was up 43% to €4 billion. The value of exports in August was down 11% on August 2008 and the value of imports was down 25%.

Comparison of the preliminary September 2009 to September 2008 data shows an all round drop in trade with the UK and a rise in exports to the USA.

Chemical exports to the rest of the EU and Switzerland grew as did Machinery imports from the USA.

Imports of Machinery from the EU, China, Japan and Rest of World fell.

The January-August figures for 2009 when compared with those of 2008 show that exports at €56,982 million were €30 million down from €57,012 million, while imports decreased from €39,477 million to €30,390 million, a drop of 23%.