Catalan exports down 1.3% in January, reaching €7.7 bn

Catalan exports experienced a slight decrease of 1.3% in January compared to the same month in 2023, reaching €7.67 billion.

Compared to the previous month, Catalan exports increased by 13.4%, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business.

The chemical sector leads Catalonia's exports, accounting for 31.5% of the total with an increase of 4.2%.

The automotive industry grew by 16.7%, while the food, beverage and tobacco industry grew by 2.7%.

Sectors that contributed negatively to the decline included energy, machinery, consumer goods, and non-chemical semi-manufactures. 

Despite this decline, Catalonia's exports fared better than those of Spain as a whole, which fell by 2.5% to a total of €30 billion.

In particular, Catalan exports contribute 25.4% to the total exports of Spain.

Exports to EU countries increased, accounting for 64% of the total, while those to non-EU countries decreased. 

Exports from the Barcelona region fell by 4%, while those from all other areas of Catalonia increased: Girona by 10%, Lleida by 7% and Tarragona by 8%. 

Imports decreased by 6.5% compared to January 2023, totaling €8.6 billion. This decline exceeds that of the whole of Spain, where imports fell by almost 3%. 

Catalan exports set new record in 2023

Catalan exports reached a new record high in 2023, climbing to over €100 billion for the first time. 

The total of €100.684 billion was 6.1% more than in 2022, which was the previous record. 

Catalonia exported more than any other Autonomous Community in Spain, accounting for over a quarter of total exports, 26.2% to be precise. 

Particularly strong growth was recorded in the automotive sector, in chemical products and in capital goods. 

The European Union was the top destination for goods, in particular France, Germany, Italy and Poland. 

Outside the EU, exports to the United Kingdom, Turkey, Mexico, Morocco, Vietnam and Australia grew significantly.