The value of exports in May was just over €7.5 billion, and Ireland's trade surplus rose by 44%.

According to new provisional figures from the CSO, the seasonally adjusted value of exports in May remained static at €7,511. The figure for April was €7,560.

The value of imports decreased sharply in the same period, from €4.928 billion in April to €3.728 billion in May, and the trade surplus increased by 44% to €3,784m.

The value of imports in May was up 5% on the same month last year.

The value of exports for the first four months of this year grew to €31.161 billion, up 8% compared with the same period last year.

This growth was led by export of medical and pharmaceutical products, which were up 17% (€1.324 billion), and organic chemicals, the value of which increased by 14% (€896m).

Exports to the US were up significantly during this period, rising 17% (€1.069 billion) to €7.329 billion.

52% of Ireland's exports went to the USA in these months.

Exports to France also rose, 18% (€276m), while trade to Switzerland showed sharp growth, up 25% (€258m).

Imports from Britain rose by 19% (€782m) to €4.982 billion in the four months to April, while those from the US were up 7% (€188m) at €3.047 billion.

Over half (54%) of Ireland's imports came from Britain, the US and Germany in the first four months of 2011.