The total value of exports from Ireland grew by 4% last year to €9.8bn in September, while imports rose by 7% to €6.1bn.

These two shifts reduced the State’s trade surplus by 18% or €3.7bn.

The value of goods exported in the first three quarters of 2016 was €86bn - that's 5% higher than the same period last year.

Sales into the EU accounted for 52% of all exports (€5.1bn) - Belgium remains the main purchaser of Irish goods accounting for €1.18bn, while good worth €1.14bn went to the UK.

The US was the main non-EU destination for exports, with exports worth €2.6bn going across the Atlantic.

Exports to the EU decreased by €190 million (-4%) in September 2016 compared with September 2015, while non-EU exports increased by €786 million (+19%) over the same period.