Aragon's exports fall by 8%, hampered by the automotive transition and European sluggishness.

 

Exports of Aragón They registered an 8% decline in the cumulative total from 2025 to November, mainly due to the 24,7% collapse in the automotive sector. Daniel Álvarez, president of the International Commission of CEOE AragónIt points to the adaptation of production models, Chinese competition, and the economic weakness of the Unión Europea.

 

Impact of the automotive industry and weak European demand

 

According to data analyzed by the International Commission of CEOE Aragón2025 has not been a favorable year for the community's foreign trade. The overall decline of 8% compared to the same period in 2024 is mainly explained by the performance of automotive sectorwhich has suffered a decrease of 1.084,23 millones de euros (-24,7%).

 

This scenario is a response to a complex situation marked by three decisive factors:

• The necessary adaptation of the production in the plants to accommodate new models.
• The growing pressure of competition of China.
• The economic sluggishness of the main trading partners in the Unión Europea.

 

The knock-on effect of European weakness has also negatively impacted the consumer manufactureswhich fell by 14,9%, and food exports, which declined by 2,5%. Conversely, the trade balance shows a reduction in the coverage ratio, settling at 78,7%, resulting from an increase in imports.

 

The key percentage changes for the analyzed period are detailed below:

 

Indicator / Sector	Variation (2025 vs 2024)	Comments
Total Exports Aragón	-8%	Accumulated up to November.
Automotive Sector	-24,7%	Loss of €1.084 million.
Import of Capital Goods	+ 30,5 %	Productive investment indicator.
Exports to EEUU	+ 9 %	Despite tariff barriers.

 

Green shoots: productive investment and the US market

 

Not all indicators are negative. From CEOE Aragón They highlight the increase in imports, interpreted as a positive sign of business investment, since it is concentrated especially in the equipment goods, with a rebound of 30,5%.

 

Likewise, other sectors have managed to overcome the general downward trend:

• Consumer goods: +4,6%
• Semi-manufactured goods: +4,8%
• Energy products: +2,4%

 

Geographically, the resilience of the North American market stands out. Sales of Aragón a Estados Unidos They grew by 9% for the year as a whole through November, defying the tariff policy of Donald TrumpHowever, the reverse flow was much greater, with a 25% increase in imports from that country.

 

Market diversification and the EU-Mercosur agreement

 

Given the uncertainty in traditional markets, Daniel Álvarez has emphasized the strategic need to diversify destinations. “Both the limited growth of European economies and the uncertainties surrounding markets such as the United States make it advisable to expand and strengthen our presence in other countries.”He stated, citing examples of Aragonese companies that already operate in Asia, América Latina y África.

 

Finally, regarding the trade agreement between the Unión Europea y MercosurThe Aragonese employers' association describes it as “overall positive” for the opening of markets, although with nuances. Álvarez warns that “Special care must be taken with safeguards and protection in the food sector, which is strategic and key to European food sovereignty.”.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about foreign trade in Aragon

Why have Aragonese exports fallen in 2025?
The 8% decline is mainly due to the collapse of the automotive sector (-24,7%), affected by the change of models in factories, competition from China and the economic weakness of the clients in the Unión Europea.

Which sectors have shown positive performance?
Despite the overall decline, exports of consumer goods grew by 4,6%, semi-manufactured goods by 4,8%, and energy products by 2,4%. Furthermore, imports of capital goods rose by 30,5%, indicating industrial investment.

What is CEOE Aragón's position on the EU-Mercosur agreement?
Daniel Álvarez He considers the agreement generally positive for expanding markets, but calls for caution and specific safeguards to protect the food sector, which is considered key to European sovereignty.