Dip in July exports raises question about outlook

Exports have fallen to their lowest level since March, official figures published yesterday showed, raising the first question about whether a remarkable upsurge that is driving the economic recovery can last.

The CSO said exports fell in July to €8.76bn from €9.35bn in June, and were also down from the €9.35bn mark in May. Exports recorded their lowest level since March, when it was €8.73bn.

Exports have been helped this year by a slump in the value of the euro against sterling, boosting the price competitiveness of goods sold by Irish firms into Britain.