The value of exports rose to a new high of £3.9 billion in March, more than £600 million higher than the previous record, and contributing to a trade surplus of £1.1 billion, according to figures provided by the Central Statistics Office.

The trade surplus in March 1997 was 30 per cent less at £761 million. When seasonally-adjusted, the figures show a record trade surplus in March 1998 of £1.2 billion.