Catalan exports reach €9bn, marking best month of May ever

Catalan exports marked a new all-time high in May, recording the best figure since recordings began. Overall, companies sold goods worth €9.01 billion, representing 4.7% more than the same month last year, as the Spanish industry, commerce, and trade ministry announced on Thursday.

Exports from Catalonia accounted for 26.6% of Spain's sales abroad, totaling €33.94 billion, 3.1% less than a year ago. 

Catalonia mainly exports chemical products, which continue to lead the charts (€2.8 billion) and represented 31.2% of the overall, followed by the car industry (€1.5 bn), accounting for 16.8% and increasing 69.1% compared to the previous year.

As for imports, there were €10.08 billion worth of goods, 1.6% more than in May 2022.

Since the beginning of the year, Catalan exports have increased by 15% if 2022 is taken as a reference, reaching €43.82 billion. Meanwhile, imports are worth €47.93 billion, 5.3% more than the first five months of last year.

Barcelona was the area that saw more sales abroad, with €7.11 billion, while in Girona, exports registered an increase of 7.9% more than last year, accounting for €737.5 million.

On the other hand, Lleida, with €239.7 million, and Tarragona, with €922.7 million, saw a decrease of 5.1% and 2.4%, respectively, compared to last year.