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Irish exports hit highest level ever – Minister Bruton

Total exports now 16% above pre-crisis high

Total exports in 2012, at €182.182bn, were at their highest level ever after a 5.5% annual increase, Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton said today.

In 2011, total exports increased by 5.3% over the 2010 figure.

The figures, released this morning by the CSO, show that total exports in 2012 were 16% higher than the 2007 figure, the pre-crisis high, and that total exports from Ireland are now at their highest level ever.

Other key points in the publication include:

•The total trade surplus in 2012 was €46billion, the highest level ever

•Services exports in 2012 reached a new record of €90.218billion, representing an increase of 11% over 2011

•Computer services is the largest services export category, with exports in this category hitting €36.5 billion in 2012, representing an increase of 15% over 2011. Computer exports account for 40% of the value of Irish services exports in 2012

Commenting on the figures Minister Bruton said:

A strong export performance will be crucial to delivering the economic recovery we are all working so hard to achieve. Through the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government is determined to rebuild a sustainable economy based on enterprise, innovation and exports, and we are delivering on measures to deepen and develop the impact of multinational investment here and to make it easier for Irish companies to export more.

Major challenges remain but I am convinced that with continued strong implementation we can help drive for the export-led jobs recovery we need.

Read the full press release

here

.