Exports to non-EU countries were worth £1.3 billion in May, 20 per cent higher than in May 1998. The value of imports was £1.05 billion in May, 0.5 per cent lower than the £1.06 billion recorded in the same month last year. The Central Statistics Office stated that exports remained high but were 8 per cent below the peak of £1.4 billion recorded in February.

Imports, showed a gradual decline in value over the past 12 months.