Irish exporters felt the full impact of the economic downturn in global markets losing 9.6% of export value in the first quarter according to the latest statistics in the Irish Exporters Association’s first quarter report for 2009, published today. Total exports for the first quarter of 2009 stood at €33.78 billion down from €37.38 billion in the same period last year. The IEA forecasts total exports will fall by 13% in 2009, with services plunging by 20%. The industry group said the UK market will take 53% of exports from Irish-owned firms while the growth in the merchandise sector, has been camouflaged by US-owned pharmachem/medical devices sectors, which account for 60% of merchandise exports.