Figures from the Central Statistics Office show an increase in both imports and exports in the month of May.
The trade surplus, which means that Ireland exported more than it imported, remained largely unchanged at €3.4 billion.
€7.515 billion worth of goods was exported in the month of May, an increase of 7% while goods imported increased by 15% to €4.065 billion
Chemicals and related products accounted for €4.545 billion or 60% of the total exports in May.
Medical and pharmaceutical products increased by €99m (5%) and organic chemicals increased by 9% or €113m when compared with May 2011.
The EU accounted for 58% of total exports, valued at €4,545, with the UK, Belgium and Germany accounting for 36% of total exports. 23% of exports went to the US.
Imports increased 7% in May of this year compared with last year, largely due to an increase of €208m of other transport equipment, mainly aircraft.
Exports for the first five months of 2012 amounted to €38.28 billion while imports total €20.982 billion.
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, the figures noting in particular the increase of €518m or 7% in the volume of exports in the month of May.
