Goods exports surge 19% in first half

The rapid growth in Irish exports paused in June from May, but were still much higher than a year earlier, official figures published yesterday show, probably boosted by the pick-up of the UK and US economies and the price benefits the falling euro provide exporting firms here.

The CSO said on a seasonally-adjusted basis exports of goods in June were little changed in the month, at €9.09bn, though were substantially higher from the €7.93bn recorded in June 2014.

Yesterday’s figures also show that exports of goods in the first six months this year totalled €53.87bn, a 19% uplift from the €45.32bn recorded in the first half of 2014.