The trade surplus rose in May as seasonally adjusted exports increased by 8 per cent while imports fell 14 per cent.
The Central Statistics Office said the value of exports in May was €7.6 billion, compared to €7 billion in May last year and €7.1 billion in April 2010. Imports were €3.6 billion for the month, down from €4.2 billion in April.
This led to a trade surplus for the month of €4.1 billion, a rise of 41 per cent.
The first four months of the year showed a fall in the value of exports of 6 per cent to €28.1 billion compared to last year, with organic chemicals, computer equipment and other transport equipment hit hardest. However, Ireland exported more medical and pharmaceutical products over the period.
The value of exports to Australia rose by 34 per cent to €68 million, while Saudia Arabia imported 58 per cent more Irish goods.
However, there was a 10 per cent drop in the value of goods exported to Belgium, which fell to €499 million, and 11 per cent decline in the value of goods sent to Great Britain, which dipped to €477 million.
Imports also fell, declining 6 per cent to €15.1 billion.
Minister for Trade and Commerce Billy Kelleher said the figures were "encouraging".
"The performance is a remarkable achievement given the current economic climate and clearly reflect the growing signs in our economic recovery," he said.
"The data shows the resilience of Irish exporters in difficult times and represents a strong vindication of the Government's work in promoting an export-led recovery."