The value of exports fell in September when compared to the same month of 2012, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office.
Exports worth over €7.34 billion were recorded during the month, €118 million (2%) lower than in September 2012.
The figures were also down on a month-on-month basis, coming in €364 million (5%) lower than those recorded in August of this year.
A 17% fall in the value of medical and pharmaceutical exports was one of the main drivers for the fall, though this was countered somewhat by a 25% rise in the value of organic chemical exports.
Meanwhile the value of imports was also down year-on-year, coming in €165 million (4%) lower at €4.04 billion.
As a result, the trade surplus in September was just below €3.31 billion, slightly higher than in the same month of 2012.
