Microsoft, Google and Johnson & Johnson are the biggest exporters in Ireland. A new report published by the Irish Exporters Association and Investec identifies Ireland's top 250 exporting companies.
Software manufacturer and designer Microsoft was named the largest exporting company, moving up one place from its previous year's ranking, wroth €13.7 billion. It was followed closely by Google at €12.4 billion, Johnson & Johnson (€10.5 billion) and computer maker Dell came in 4th at €9.9 billion.
The life sciences sector has developed into one of the core sectors of the Irish economy. In 2012, exports of the two main sub-sectors - pharmaceuticals and medical devices - totalled €56.5 billion.
Pharmaceutical exports have shown continuous growth over the past decade as pharmaceutical exports grew by 42%.
The study shows that the ICT sector led the increase in the exports in the past year.
Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association John Whelan explains.
While in Northern Ireland, the export of manufactured goods is the largest sector and continues to be driven by industry leaders in the machinery and transport equipment category, which generated sales in excess of £2.3 billion. Key players in this sector there include Bombardier, Belfast and Wrightbus in Ballymena.
