Catalan exports have climbed to 53.2 billion euros during the first half of 2023, the highest figure in the historical series for a first half of the year, according to calculations made by Acció based on data published this Thursday by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. A record that is supported by a 14.5% growth between January and June compared to the same period in 2022.
Catalan companies abroad have led exports throughout Spain in the January-June period with a 26.6% share, comfortably surpassing the Community of Madrid (14%). In the country as a whole, foreign sales also set a record during the first half, with 199.951 billion euros, up 4.7%.
Sector-wise, Catalan exports in the automotive sector stand out with 8.641 billion euros, a figure that has grown by 77% compared to the first half of 2022. Automotive represents 16.2% of all exports, only behind chemical products (30.5%), with 16.228 billion euros, and ahead of capital goods (15.5%), with 8.237 billion euros.
In Catalonia, imports stood at 57.696 billion euros, 4.2% more than a year ago. With exports of 53.2 billion euros, the Catalan trade deficit was 4.479 billion euros, a year-on-year reduction of almost half. Spain has also practically halved its trade deficit for the first six months of the year, to 16.420 billion euros.