Exports are continuing to grow strongly, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office. The figures to the end of May confirm the recently released balance of payments figures for the first half of the year and point to an economy which is still growing strongly.

Exports at the end of May were worth some £4.25 billion, with imports of some £2.6 billion. As a result, the surplus was £1.65 billion from £933 million at the same time in 1998. Initial indications for June point to exports of £4.39 billion and imports of £2.8 billion, resulting in a surplus of £1.59 billion. Exports of computer equipment rose to £4.5 billion, 18 per cent higher than in the first five months of 1998.