Food and live animal exports have reached nearly €3.25 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of this year, which is down from just under €3.42 billion during the same period in 2023, according to latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Irish exports of meat and meat preparations account for almost €1.15 billion, which is below last year's level of nearly €1.16 billion. Exports of cereals and cereal preparations also declined from €202 million to €201 million.

Dairy products and eggs exports stood at €660 million in Q1 this year, down from €846 million in 2023. Exports of vegetables and fruit saw an increase on last year at €103 million in Q1 2024, up from €91 million in 2023.

Live animal exports increased from €113 million in Q1 last year to €148 million between January and March 2024. Imports of live animals also increased when comparing the two periods from €51 million to €61 million.

Meat and meat preparations worth €284 million were imported, as well as dairy products and eggs at €275 million, cereals and cereal preparations at €423 million, and animal feed stuff at €332 million, according to latest CSO import figures.

Food and live animal exports to Northern Ireland (NI) fell slightly between January and March this year to €425 million, down from €429 million in Q1 2023. Imports from NI also declined from €361 million to €347 million.

Exports to Great Britain increased from €925 million to €957 million. Meanwhile, imports into Ireland rose from €550 million to €610 million in Q1 2024, compared to the same three-month period last year, according to latest CSO figures.

EU exports in Q1 2024 stand at €1.1 billion, down €64 million on 2023 levels, while imports from the EU saw an increase of €38 million. Exports to the US fell from €206 million to €170 million during the same period, according to the CSO.

US imports stood at €94 million in Q1 this year, down from €116 million in 2023. Food and live animal imports from China rose from €26 million to €31 million, while exports to the country were €98 million, down from €141 million.