Ireland’s Economy Some good news…. RTE News, 16 th March 2012

In 2011… Biggest ever trade surplus recorded Exports of goods outstripped imports by €44.5 billion

Trade 2011 Exports €92.9 billion 4% Imports €48.2 billion 5% Surplus €44.7 billion 3%

Most valuable exports? Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Together, worth over €55 billion (over half of all exports)

Meat exports 15%

Dairy Products 24%

Export figures slackened in second half of 2011 Figures for January show a 10% increase on exports however Exporters say another strong year is in prospect

Ireland’s Export Markets US 23% Belgium 15% (chemicals shipped through Antwerp) UK 14% Germany 7%

Imports Imports have also risen, a sign of growing activity in some parts of the economy Imports in 2011 were €12 billion below their peak in 2008, reflecting a weak domestic economy

Where do Irish Imports come from?

Source of Irish Imports UK 32% USA 12% Germany 8% China 6%