Preliminary data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that seasonally adjusted Irish exports fell 4 per cent in October to €7,056 million compared to the previous month.
Imports increased slightly to €4,706 million for the same period.
Final data for September shows exports decreased by 4 per cent to €7,360 million and that imports rose marginally to €4,697 million relative to August.
Year on year, the monthly unadjusted exports increased by €337 million (5 per cent) in October to reach €7,044 million, while September increased by €601 million (8 per cent) to €7,890 million.
Imports for October, on the same basis, increased by €207 million (5 per cent) to €4,726 million, while September increased by €214 million (5 per cent) to €4,527 million.
Comparing the first nine months of 2005 with the same period in 2004, exports increased 3 per cent from €62,993 million to €64,756 million.
Sectors showing strong growth included organic chemicals (13 per cent), essential oils including flavouring materials (14 per cent) and petroleum and related materials (62 per cent). Exports of medical and pharmaceutical products decreased slightly from €11,414 million to €11,233 million.