The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton TD,
today (Wednesday) welcomed the latest Goods Exports figures published by
the CSO which showed that seasonally adjusted exports increased in January
2014 by €426 million or 6% when compared with January 2013.
This follows on from an 18% rise in the seasonally adjusted value of
exports in December 2013 compared to 12 months previously. Minister Bruton
said he was pleased that the growth in goods exports in December 2013 has
continued into this year.
The figures released today also showed that:
· Exports of Chemical Products increased by 5.6% in January 2014
compared to January 2013, this included Organic Chemicals which
increased by 15%.
· Exports of Food and live animals increased by 9% in January 2014
compared to January 2013.
Minister Bruton, who is currently on a 5-day trade investment and tourism
mission to Italy said:
“Following a number of challenging months in export markets, these
improving figures indicate a strong export performance from the Irish
economy. It is an impressive performance by our exporters in what are
difficult trading circumstances globally and reflect our improving
competitiveness. This performance follows the recent release of data for
Irish services exports in 2013 which reached their highest ever level with
a 5% increase over 2012.
While challenges remain, I believe that generating sustainable broad based
export-led growth is essential to rebuilding our economy. As a small open
economy, growth in overseas markets is critical and the Governments Action
Plan for Jobs places a specific emphasis on growing opportunities in
overseas markets to further grow our exports and create the jobs we need”.