Ireland’s Economy

Some good news….

RTE News, 16th March 2012

In 2011… In 2011…

Biggest ever trade surplus recorded

Exports of goods outstripped imports by €44.5 billion

Trade 2011

Exports €92.9 billion 4%Imports €48.2 billion 5%Surplus €44.7 billion 3%

Most valuable exports?• Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

• Together, worth over €55 billion (over half of all exports)

Meat exports 15%

Dairy Products 24%

• Export figures slackened in second half of 2011

• Figures for January show a 10% increase on exports however

• Exporters say another strong year is in prospect

Ireland’s Export Markets

• US 23%• Belgium 15% (chemicals shipped through Antwerp)• UK 14%• Germany 7%

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Destination of Irish Exports 2011

Imports• Imports have also risen, a sign of growing

activity in some parts of the economy

• Imports in 2011 were €12 billion below their peak in 2008, reflecting a weak domestic economy

Where do Irish Imports come from?

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UK USA Germany China

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Source of Ireland's Imports

•Source of Irish Imports

•UK 32%

•USA 12%

•Germany 8%

•China 6%