Value of Irish exports grew by 6% to €89.4bn last year

THE value of Irish exports grew 6% during 2010 to €89.4 billion, according to data published yesterday by the Central Statistics Office.

The jump from 2009’s value of just over €84.2bn was driven by large increases in the export of petrol materials (up 78%) and medical/pharmaceutical products (up 15%); although exports of computer equipment were down 30% on the previous year.

Overall, Ireland’s trade surplus for the year comfortably topped €40bn — coming in at just under €44bn.