Source: CSO

The CSO reported today that seasonally adjusted merchandise exports plunged by 17% in December relative to November 2007 and imports decreased by 13%.

Relative to October 2007, exports in November decreased by 1%, while imports increased by 10%.

On anunadjusted basis, the value of exports in December 2007 was €6,070m, down 15% on December 2006, while the value of imports was €5,002m, down 6%. The value of exports in November 2007 was €7,960m, up 4% on November 2006, while the value of imports was €5,921m, up 6%.

The January-November figures for 2007 when compared with those of 2006 show that:

Exports increased from €79,608m to €82,776m (+4%) –

Organic chemicals increased from €15,850m to €18,815m (+19%), General industrial machinery from €1,114m to €1,362m (+22%), Eggs and dairy products from €1,102m to €1,347m (+22%) and Chemical materials and products from €2,275m to €2,445m (+7%).

Computer equipment decreased from €12,437m to €11,367m (-9%), reflecting a fall in Dell computer exports because of the opening of its new plant in Lodz, Poland; Professional, scientific and controlling apparatus from €2,144m to €1,956m (-9%) and Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances from €4,718m to €4,548m (-4%).

Goods to China and Hong Kong increased from €1,343m to €1,774m (+32%), to the Philippines from €368m to €683m (+86%), to Belgium from €11,248m to €12,297m (+9%), to Great Britain from €12,699m to €13,586m (+7%) and to Switzerland from €2,217m to €3,029m (+37%).

Goods to Italy decreased from €3,346m to €2,898m (-13%), Japan from €1,810m to €1,571m (-13%) and to Malaysia from €880m to €649m (-26%).

Imports increased from €55,489m to €57,105m (+3%) –

Other transport equipment (including aviation equipment) increased from €1,081m to €2,507m (+132%), Road vehicles from €3,605m to €3,860m (+7%) and Iron and steel from €847m to €1,011m (+19%).

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances decreased from €3,564m to €3,008m (-16%), Computer equipment from €9,537m to €8,415m (-12%) and Telecommunications and sound equipment from €1,904m to €1,758m (-8%).

Goods from France increased from €1,990m to €2,339m (+18%), China and Hong Kong from €4,345m to €4,710m (+8%), the United States from €6,072m to €6,619m (+9%), Germany from €4,568m to €4,864m (+6%) and Great Britain from €16,450m to €17,032m (+4%).

Goods from Norway decreased from €1,757m to €1,342m (-24%), Singapore from €1,163m to €761m (-35%) and Taiwan from €907m to €696m (-23%).

Food and Drink Industry Ireland highlights 14% drop in food exports to UK

Commenting on today's data, Paul Kelly, Director of Food and Drink Industry Ireland said: "The preliminary trade figures for December 2007 show a 14% drop in food exports to the UK, compared to the same period in 2006. This is a clear indication that the weakness of sterling is starting to hit the competitiveness of exporters. Controlling Irish business costs, such as energy, waste and transport is critical."