LONDON: Goods exports soared by 20 per cent in 2015 up to €111 billion, pushing the trade surplus up to the largest on record. Strong growth in medical and pharma exports was the main driver behind export growth.
In the 12 months to December 2015, Irish goods exports rose by €18.4 million, or by 20 per cent, to €111 billion, pushing the trade surplus up to a record €44 billion, the largest surplus on record and the first positive rise since 2010. Medical and pharmaceutical products accounted for 27 per cent of total exports in 2015, an increase of 36 per cent over 2014.
In December, goods exports rose by 7 per cent or €656 million to €9.8 billion. The EU accounted for half of total goods exports in the month, of which € 1.2 billion went to Great Britain and almost €1 billion to Belgium. Outside the EU, the US was the main destination, accounting for a further 23 per cent of total exports in December.
