16th May 2018
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Heather Humphreys TD, today welcomed the latest trade figures from the Central Statistics Office, which show that the value of goods exports rose by 4% in Q1 this year when compared to Q1 2017. While the data for the month of March showed a decline when compared to March 2017, the overall Q1 value of goods exports rose €1.38 bn (+4%) when compared to the same period last year.
While individual monthly trade numbers can be volatile the underlying trend remains positive, up 4 per cent on the corresponding period last year. The main driver of the increase is a rise in the value of exports of Chemicals and related products which rose by 22% in the Quarter to €21bn.
Commenting on today’s figures Minister Humphreys said: “The value of exports from Ireland reached a new record high of €123 bn in 2017 and I am delighted that growth has continued into 2018. Further expansion of our export sectors is essential to our continued and sustainable economic growth. Overall, export growth in Ireland in recent years has been very strong and exports continue to contribute positively to growth.
“So much credit is due to the hard-work of our exporting companies in Ireland and their success in grasping the opportunities in the global marketplace.
“The Government continues to intensify its efforts, domestically and internationally, to support companies with an export focus and we will continue to foster a positive environment for companies to do business in, and export from. An Taoiseach’s plans for our increased Global Footprint 2025 will further underpin the across-Government efforts to support our globally-trading companies, thereby sustaining jobs, ever mindful of the various challenges to further growth potential, including, of course, Brexit”, concluded the Minister.
Ends.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department also has a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Press Office at (01) 6312200 or email press.office@dbei.gov.ie.
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