Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald TD welcomes 10% increase in goods exports

17th July 2017

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald TD today (Monday) welcomed the latest Goods Exports and Imports release from the Central Statistics Office, which shows that the value of goods exports in May this year increased by  10 % when compared with May 2016.  The figures also show that for the first five months of 2017, the value of goods exports rose also by 10% when compared with Jan-May 2016.
 
Today’s release shows that the largest increase in goods exports in May 2017 was a 28% increase in the value of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products which increased to €2,794 million, when compared with May 2016.   Exports of Food and Live Animals in May increased by 25% compared  to May 2016.
 
Exports to Great Britain, in both May and for the period Jan – May 2017, increased by 14%, when compared to the same period last year.

Today’s release follows recent Services exports data from the CSO for Q1 2017, which showed an increase of 14% when compared to Q1 of last year.  
 
The Tánaiste said   “A 10% increase on our goods exports is very positive and welcome news.   The Government is committed to facilitating the development of a strong exporting sector and exporting companies are contributing hugely to the performance of the Irish economy.  Promoting trade, diversifying into new markets and driving innovation and export growth, will continue to be the major focus for the Government over the coming years.  Ministerial led Trade Missions will reinforce the potential for Irish companies in the global marketplace and provide a platform for accelerated export growth and investment opportunities.”

ENDS

For further information contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise and Innovation ph. 6312200 or press.office@djei.ie