Exports to non-EU countries rose sharply in July, jumping 19 per cent from the previous month, according to the Central Statistics Office.
Seasonally adjusted exports were €2,866 million in August, well up on June, and 14 per cent ahead of the same month last year.
Imports from non-EU states were €1,475 million, down 8 per cent on the previous month.
Non-EU exports have shown a volatile trend in recent months. Looking at the first seven months the total is running at €10.758 million, just 2 per cent up on the same period last year.
There has been strong growth to Asia, where economic growth has been reasonably strong. The figures show a 16 per cent rise to €1,338 million in exports to Japan, a 43 per cent increase to €528 million in sales to Hong Kong and a 16 per cent jump to €353 million in exports to China.
Exports to the US, the single biggest market for Irish exporters, fell 1 per cent to €9,898 million in the first seven months.This suggests that a slowdown in the US economy and a strong euro continue to make life difficult for exporters in this market.
