Catalan exports grew 17.9% in 2022 to a record €94.9bn

Catalan exports set a new all-time record in 2022, reaching a total of €94.926 billion, a rise of 17.9% compared to 2021. 

Figures released by Spain's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism on Thursday also show that exports from Catalonia accounted almost a quarter (24.4%) of Spain's total exports. 

The results exceed the forcast made by the Catalan government at the end of last year. It estimated a 16% rise, to €93 billion. 

The figures for December alone were also published, showing Catalan exports worth €8.2969 billion for the month, up 23.9% year-on-year and making up 25.8% of the Spanish total. 

Across Spain, exports in 2022 rose 22.9%, to €389.2089 billion. 

28.5% up on pre-pandemic figures 

Catalan exports also far exceed – specifically by 28.5% – export figures from 2019, the year before the pandemic. The €78.853 billion recorded that year marked a new record at the time. 

As for imports, during 2022 they totalled €111.7989 billion, growing 23.6%, and making up 24.4% of the Spanish total. Catalonia's balance of trade went from -€9.8602 billion in 2021 to -€16.872.2 billion in 2022. 

The Catalan business and labor minister, Roger Torrent, confirmed these figures show an all-time high in the number of exports making the sales abroad "a key part" of the Catalan economy. Torrent said that these sales are "the economical push of Catalonia," and arrive in an "international complex" context, he explained to Catalan News Agency (ACN)'s journalists. 

Chemical products and capital goods 

Chemical products made up 30% of exports with €28.4341 billion, more than any other sector and up 19.8% on 2021. 

Capital goods were the second largest category, making up 15.8% of the total with €15.0244 billion, up 12.5% on 2021. 

In third place, food, drinks and tobacco grew by 15.2%, reaching €14.242 billion euros and representing 15% of total Catalan exports in 2022. 

In Barcelona, which accounts for 18.9% of Spain's total, exports reached €73.7512 billion, up 19.6%.  

In Girona, exports increased by 21.2%, to €7.7875 billion. In Lleida, exports increased by 15.6% to €2.901billion, and in Tarragona by 5.4% to €10.4868 billion.