Catalonia leads Spanish fashion exports in 2011

Barcelona (ACN). - 34% of national fashion exports in 2011 were attributed to Catalonia with a turnover of €4.2bn according to “The Brandery’s Economic Report on Fashion in Spain 2012” in the first nationwide analysis of the sector. The Catalan fashion industry comprises 5293 companies employing 34,964 people, figures which represent up to a quarter of the total activity generated by the sector in Spain. The report presented at a fashion event held this weekend in Barcelona, emphasised Catalonia’s strong tradition in the sector and its position of leadership within the fashion industry in Spain.

Catalan fashion exports increased by 11.4% in 2011 and with an increase of only 5% in imports, Catalonia saw a reduction of trade deficit to €2.2bn . The study also notes that despite the rate of decline in the fabric business since 2003, the fashion industry last year recorded the lowest decline in the sector, only 7%. In 2011 25% of textile companies in Spain were situated in Catalonia. Furthermore, the report described Catalonia as “one of the main economic centres in Spain” pointing to a turnover of 16.9% of total domestic trade in 2011, while Madrid represented 16.2%. These figures demonstrate that Catalonia is a leader in the sales side of the fashion industry, principally characterised by a mix of large and small companies which also provide various avenues into the international markets. The Spanish fashion industry’s success has allowed for expansion beyond the euro zone. The report notes that Spain exported an increase of 11.5% relative to 2010. Saudi Arabia, Japan and Venezuela have become key destinations for Spanish exports, accounting for 34.7%, 34.2% and 32.4% of the total value respectively.