According to the Irish Exporters Association’s Half-Year Review 2009 merchandise exports for the first half of 2009 show a return to growth of just under 2%, which the IEA calls a remarkable performance given the current economic climate. It is forecasting, based on half year figures that for the full year merchandise exports will increase by two percent over 2008 figures with service exports falling by one percent. Taken together this would see total Irish exports rising by one percent to €155 billion for 2009. The association says exports have been boosted by the US-owned life sciences sector which account for 56% of total merchandise exports.