Irish exports rose by 5% last year despite the impact of foot and mouth disease and the September 11 attacks, according to the agency responsible for domestic industry, Enterprise Ireland.
In its end of year statement the agency says 14,000 new jobs were created. Taking job losses into account, however, the net increase was just 1,000.
Enterprise Ireland said exports last year were up 5% to €11.5bn. Non-food exports rose by 9%. Exports to Ireland's largest trading partner, the UK, rose by 4%. The agency also says Asia is growing in importance as a market for Irish companies.
But, not surprisingly, the sharp downturn in the US economy slowed the rate of sales growth there. Enterprise Ireland says it is stepping up its support for this area in response, opening a new office in Washington DC. The agency says trading conditions will be difficult this year, especially in the first six months.
