Catalonia's exports grow by 24.8% in 2021 so far to €59.1 bn

Catalonia's exports have grown by 24.8% in 2021 so far compared to the same period a year earlier, totaling over €59.112 bn, according to figures released by Spain's Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry on Monday. 

Imports in the territory increased by 18.8% over the first nine months of the year compared to 2020, reaching €65.32 bn. 

In September, Catalonia’s sales abroad totaled a value of €6.881 bn, an 18.3% increase, compared to twelve months before. The increase is, as usually in the territory, led by the chemical industry. Other exported products include food, beverages, and tobacco. 

This is a slightly higher rate compared to August’s 23.2%, and even more significant compared to the year-by-year monthly rise seen in July, when it was 14.8%. 

By sectors, since the start of the year, 29.4% of the Catalan exports are chemical industry products, reaching €17.35 bn, a 21.5% increase compared to last September. Food, beverages and tobacco represented 15.5% of the total shipped goods; an increment, of 14%, meaning reaching €9.18 bn in sold products abroad. 

Catalonia remains well-placed in comparison to the rest of the state, contributing to 25.7% of all Spain-wide exports. The country sold €229.96 bn in goods, a 22.1% increase compared to September 2020. Imports in Spain also increased 21.9% compared to one year ago, reaching €243.22 bn.