Preliminary figures show that exports dropped by 10% in November compared with October, while imports were little changed.
The Central Statistics Office said exports were worth just over €7.1 billion in the month, while imports were almost €5.2 billion.
Figures for the first 10 months of 2006 show exports were 3% higher than in the same period in 2005. Exports of beverages were up 37% in the period.
There was particularly strong growth in exports to Malaysia (75%), while US exports were up 7%. Exports to France and Japan were around 10% lower, however.
Imports were 6% higher in the 10-month period, with imports from China jumping 20% to €3.6 billion. Imports from the US fell 14% to €5.6 billion.
