Exports in August remained strong, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. They showed that export in August were £2,614 million and imports were £1,877 million, leading to a surplus of £737 million. This is well above the August 1996 surplus of £440 million.

According to the CSO, exports in August remained exceptionally high for the third month in a row. Meanwhile initial indications for September showed further growth to exports of £3,240 million and imports of £2,190 million, leading to a surplus of £1,050 million.