Record trade levels likely despite Ireland's export decline

Ireland is still expected to generate a record annual trade surplus — of around €50bn — this year, despite the latest figures, which show a double-digit percentage drop in monthly export value.

The latest data from the CSO shows the value of seasonally adjusted goods exports fell 12% — or €1.27bn — to €9.55bn in April, compared to the previous month.

A 9% increase — to almost €6.2bn — in the value of goods imports led to a 34% reduction in Ireland’s seasonally adjusted trade surplus, to €3.39bn, in April.