Ireland's exports to non-EU countries for June, at £1.529m, was 25 per cent higher than the £1.228m recorded in June 1998, according to figures published by the Central Statistical Office. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, exports reached a new peak of £1.43 billion.

The value of imports was £1.108m in June, 7 per cent higher than the £1.034m recorded in June last year. However, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, imports rose sharply to a new high of £1.17 billion, following the downward trend in value over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, the CSO says an early global estimate indicates the volume of industrial product for June 1999 was 11.3 per cent up on June 1998. The early global estimate for May has now been revised to show an 11.1 per cent rise since May 1998.