Manufacturing exports boost

THE value of manufacturing exports has grown by 2.3 per cent in real terms in the first quarter of the year, new figures have shown.

Mechanical engineering saw a 19.3 per cent increase in export sales, while electrical and instrument engineering increased by 6.6 per cent, according to the Government figures.

However, transport equipment, food and tobacco and chemicals, coke, refined petroleum and nuclear fuel all saw significant drops.