Exports from Dublin Port up 23.5% in March

Dublin Port enjoyed a fourth consecutive month of increased trading activity in March, it was annoouned today.

Dublin Port Company's monthly trading update for March 2010 and the year to date showed a 13.5% rise in total throughput (in tonnage) for the month compared to trade levels in March 2009.

There was also a spike in exports, which increased by 23.5% on March last year, while imports for the month grew by 7.3%.

The figures also reveal a pattern of steady, incremental increased trading activity across both exports and imports.

In Q1, total throughput at Dublin Port rose by 7.9% over the three month period, with a 14.6% increase in exports. Imports in Q1 were 3.8% higher than the same period last year.

"Following a very tough 18 months for the Irish economy, Dublin Port Company is pleased to be in a position to report increased positive trading levels at Ireland's largest and busiest port for the first quarter of this year," said chief executive Enda Connellan.

"It's very encouraging at this stage in the year to see that trade has moved beyond a stabilisation phase first experienced this time last year to one of growth for four consecutive months.

"As a gateway to European and international markets, it's essential that we continue to facilitate the movement of goods as efficiently and competitively as possible in order to support the country's return to economic growth.

"Dublin Port Company remains committed to playing its part in fostering a competitive environment for our exporters and importers which is so vital to stimulating economic recovery.

"Dublin Port Company has addressed its cost base over the last 15 years to get us in a position where our costs to our customers are 10% lower than in 1988.

"We've also introduced competition within the port where there are now eight competing terminals which has a further positive impact on cost competitiveness."

March 2010 trade statistics summary:

Total throughput - 2.49 million tonnes (2.19 million in March 2009), up 13.5%

Exports - 1.03 million tonnes (835,800 tonnes in March 2009), up 23.5%

Imports - 1.45 million tonnes (1.35 million in March 2009), up 7.3%

Total unitised tonnage - 1.97 million tonnes (1.70 million tonnes), up 15.9%

Bulk solid - (8% of Dublin Port's business), 123,125 tonnes (134,779 tonnes), down 8.6%

Q1 2010 trade statistics summary:

Total throughput - 6.81 million tonnes (6.31 million in Q1 2009), up 7.9%

Exports - 2.72 million tonnes (2.37 million), up 14.6%

Imports - 4.09 million tonnes (3.94 million), up 3.8%

Total unitised tonnage - 5.41 million tonnes (4.88 million), up 10.9%

Bulk solid - (8% of Dublin Port's business), 379,784 tonnes (359,825 tonnes), up 5.5%