Official figures show that industrial production in October was 8.3% higher than in the same month last year.
But the seasonally adjusted figures from the Central Statistics Office show that production in the three months from August to October was down 7.3% from the previous three months.
The modern sector, which includes chemical and technology companies, showed a 9.4% annual increase in October, while the 'traditional' sector rose by 5.2%.
Bloxham economist Alan McQuaid said it appeared that the indigenous export sector had become more competitive and found a solid footing, which augured well for the months ahead.
