Spanish exports defy uncertainty and outperform major European economies

 

This performance places Spain in a favorable position on the international scene, surpassing the export growth from powerhouses such as Germany (0,4%), France (-2,4%) and Italy (-1,9%). Spain's figures also differ from those of the United Kingdom (-5,5%) and Japan (-1,7%), although they were surpassed by China (6,3%) and the United States (5,8%).

 

In seasonally adjusted terms, Spanish exports showed even more robust growth., up 2,7% year-on-year. Imports also experienced a 1,3% increase, reaching €37.542 billion.

 

Improving the Trade Balance and Strengthening Trade with the European Union

 

El Spain's trade balance has shown a significant improvement so far in 2025. After starting the year with a deficit of 6.193 billion euros, May closed with a deficit of 2.543 billion euros. The trade surplus with the European Union, which has been maintained uninterruptedly since January 2017 and stood at 3.120 billion euros in May.

 

 

Exports to the European Union accounted for 63,2% of the total and increased by 6,7%, with record figures in nine EU destinations, including Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece and Romania.

 

 

The largest surpluses in May were achieved with key partners in the UEas the France (1.572 million euros), Portugal (1.525 million) and Netherlands (508 million), as well as with the United Kingdom (1.521 million). Although the deficit with United States It stood at 716 million in May, showing an improvement compared to previous months, and has experienced a progressive increase over the last 12 months.

 

Star Sectors and Expanding Markets

 

Several sectors contributed positively to export growth, particularly the surpluses in food, beverages, and tobacco (€1.724 billion), chemical products (€706 million), non-chemical semi-manufactured goods (€683 million), and the automotive sector (€571 million). The chemical products, food, beverages, and tobacco, and consumer goods sectors reached record highs for the month of May. Furthermore, the energy deficit decreased by 27,2% year-on-year.

 

Exports directed to the European Union represented 63,2% of the total and increased by 6,7%, with record figures in nine community destinations, including Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece and Romania. Non-EU destinations, which accounted for 36,8% of exports, also recorded record highs in key markets such as United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Chile and Peru.

 

Cumulative Figures until May 2025

 

From January to May 2025, exports of goods reached €163.384 billion, the second-highest figure for the period. The accumulated trade deficit amounted to €21.525 billion, with a coverage rate of 88,4%.

 

The number of regular exporters in Spain continues to rise, reaching 42.333 as of May, surpassing the figures for the same period last year and reaffirming the growing export vocation of the Spanish business community.