EXPORTS from Ireland soared in May as technology and pharmaceutical companies boosted sales overseas.
The trade surplus hit the highest level in more than a year, after exports of goods rose 15per cent from the previous month.
Exports in the volatile chemical and pharmaceutical products sectors jumped, reflecting strong industrial production and signalling that the patent cliff effect is ending.
Analysts predicted the bounce back in exports will continue and the manufacturing sector will contribute to economic growth this year for the first time since 2011.