May 30, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. New Brunswick will lead the country in export growth performance in 2009, says Export Development Canada's deputy chief economist. Peter Hall says a 20% increase is expected in the province's shipments in 2009. The increase will be driven in part by higher prices and capacity expansion at pulp mills and especially from the liquefied natural gas terminal being built in Saint John. Energy accounts for 61% of the overall exports from the province. Growth in 2008 is forecast to rise by six per cent in 2008. "Pulp and paper will have a decent year, too," said Hall. Under his predictions, the industry will benefit from the loonie declining in value relative to the U.S. dollar. That will happen just as mills in Atholville, Nackawic and Edmundston increase their capacity. Forestry exports will see better results in 2009, hall said, expanding by 10%. But Hall warned he doesn't see the outlook being as rosy for wood producers. The New Brunswick lumber market is very exposed to fluctuation of the U.S. market, where there's already a surplus of 70,000 housing units. Any growth in the lumber industry will have to come from areas overseas that can't meet their own growth. Canadian exports are forecast to grow two per cent in 2009, Hall said. David Plante, New Brunswick vice-president of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, said he does not expect that 20% increase in exports to result in a big increase in employment in New Brunswick. "But should the (second Saint John oil refinery) go forward we will most certainly see a large increase in employment as well as real economic benefit for the province," said Plante.