The value of Irish company exports hit record levels in 2014 of €18.6 billion, according to figures released by Enterprise Ireland.

This follows an increase in activity of 10 per cent, with growth recorded in all markets and across all sectors.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon: “These results are reflected in the record jobs performance by Enterprise Ireland clients in 2014 [who have] recorded the highest net job gains in the history of the agency and further validate Enterprise Ireland’s investment in indigenous industry”.

Exports now account for 51 per cent of total sales by companies supported by the agency, compared with 42 per cent in 2004.

Total exports by its clients have increased steadily from €8.5 billion in 2004 to €18.6 billion in 2014 and are on course to hit target of €22 billion in 2016, it said.

The largest increase was in the software sector, which climbed 19 per cent, followed by exports in the construction sector and then the life sciences manufacturing industry.

Demand growth was the highest in the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions, which were up 42 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. UK demand for Irish goods was up 9 per cent to a record €6.8 billion.