2.2% increase in exports welcomed

EXPORTS between January and October last year increased by just 2.2%, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office.

It also shows that from January 2004 to the end of November, exports were just 1.9% of the same period in 2003. Exports to the EU increased by 2.8%. They account for 62.2% of the total.

The figures were given a cautious welcome by Trade and Commerce Minister Michael Ahern.

“The climate for exporters is still difficult and the high value of the euro is having an adverse impact. I am, however, pleased to see that Irish companies are continuing to succeed in markets around the world.”