Minister Kelleher pleased with trade figures

Posted on 27/08/09 by Billy Kelleher Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Billy Kelleher TD, today (26th August 2009) said he was pleased with the latest merchandise trade figures which were released today by the Central Statistics Office.

The preliminary figures for June 2009 show a recovery in our exports, with seasonally adjusted exports rising by 5% in June relative to May 2009. On an unadjusted basis the news is also positive, with the value of our exports in June 2009 up 6% on June last year. For January-May 2009 compared to January-May 2008 the latest figures also reflect a positive trend with our exports rising by 2%.

The Minister said, "I am encouraged with this positive news relating to our exports. In these very difficult trading circumstances they reflect a job well done by our exporters and I congratulate them in this regard". He went on to say "the figures are even more encouraging when viewed in the light of the current global downturn and in particular the fluctuations in exchange rates between the Euro and US Dollar and Pound Sterling. These fluctuations can have negative effects on our levels of trade with the US and the UK, our two largest export destinations".

The detailed data for the period January-May 2009 shows significant increases in exports to Switzerland (+12%), Belgium (+24%) and USA (+18%). Commodities showing substantial growth were Medical and Pharmaceutical Products (+17%), Organic Chemicals (+22%) and Professional, Scientific and Controlling Apparatus which rose by 13%.