EXPORTS rose sharply in September of last year, having fallen back in August, according to the latest trade figures. They show exports at £2.530 billion during September, 4.9 per cent up on the same month in 1995 and nearly IS per cent up on the previous month, after adjustment for seasonal trends. Imports of £1.74 billion were broadly in line with the same month in 1995.

The seasonally adjusted trade surplus during September was £770 million, up from £538 million the previous month and from £659 million in the same month in 1995.