Preliminary Central Statistics Office figures show that trade volumes increased in March compared with the previous month.
Exports were up 5% to €7,459m, while imports rose 1% to €5,141m. Exports had fallen by 13% in February.
Detailed figures for the first two months of 2006 show exports running 5% ahead of the same period last year. The chemicals and computer equipment sectors both showed increases of around 10%. Exports to Germany and Spain grew strongly but exports to Britain were down 6%.
Imports for the first two months are up 10%, with imports of petrol and related products 47% higher. Imports from China are 41% higher.
