Non-EU trade figures welcomed by Minister

Latest trade figures with non-European Union countries, which saw a 16% increase, have been welcomed by the Minister for Trade and Commerce, Michael Ahern.

Exports to non-EU countries in March this year amounted to €3.3bn and accounted for approximately one third of total Irish exports last year.

The United States is by far Ireland’s largest non-EU market, accounting for over half of all non-EU sales.

Other major non-EU markets are Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Australia and South Korea.

Ahern said today: "The international economic climate has been difficult for exporters over the last two years, but these figures suggest that the worst may have passed.

"However, it is important not to be complacent, as it will take some time for a clear trend to emerge.

"I am heartened by the positive indications which these statistics contain," he added.