The Port of Barcelona consolidates its growth through November, driven by exports and the automotive sector

 

El Port de Barcelona has confirmed the positive trend of the year, registering sustained growth in its strategic traffic between January and November. This progress is based on a 5,2% increase in the containers full of export and a 4,7% increase in car traffic, driven significantly by the normalization of relations with Algeria and the entry of electric vehicles.

 

Evolution of container traffic and key markets

 

Full container traffic, both imports and exports, has maintained the growth rate observed throughout the year. In terms of exports, the 5,2% increase compared to the same period last year has been driven by strong performance in strategic markets in the Middle East and Asia.

 

Notable are the upticks in trade with Saudi Arabia, India, South Korea y United Arab EmiratesHowever, the most relevant data point is the recovery of trade flows with Algeria, which, following the normalization of diplomatic and commercial relations with Spain, has experienced exponential growth.

 

On the import side, China It remains the undisputed partner, accounting for 28,1% of the total import and export traffic at the port. Other countries that have shown positive performance include Turkey and several countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

 

Growth data by geographic markets

 

Flow	Country / Market	Growth (%)
Export	Algeria	3.848,4 %
Export	United Arab Emirates	46,9 %
Export	South Korea	30,3 %
Export	India	21,5 %
Export	Saudi Arabia	17,4 %
Import	Bangladesh	34,8 %
Import	Brazil	24,5 %
Import	Cambodia	12,4 %
Import	Türkiye	10,4 %

 

The automotive sector and the energy transition

 

Vehicle traffic has been another driver of port activity, closing the first eleven months of the year with a total movement of 661.303 unitsThis figure represents a growth of 4,7% compared to the same period in 2024 (according to the comparative reference of the original text) and consolidates the upward trend that began last September.

 

This segment shows a relevant structural change:

• vehicle imports They continue to increase strongly, registering a rise of 40,3%.
• The segment of electric and hybrid vehicles It grows by 52,7%, now representing 12,32% of the total number of cars moved through the port.

 

Bulk cargo and short sea shipping

 

As for bulk cargo, the evolution has been mixed. bulk liquids They maintain a clear upward trend, exceeding 15 million tons with a growth of 16,8%. This performance is mainly due to the good results of energy products such as... gasoline (+47,6%) and the gas natural (+ 42,1%).

 

On the contrary, bulk solids They have experienced a contraction. With 3,6 million tons accumulated, this segment has suffered a decline of -15,8%.

 

Regarding Short Sea Shipping or short sea shipping, the Port de Barcelona It has moved 400.887 Intermodal Transport Units (ITUs), which represents technical stability with a slight increase of 0,1%.

 

Traffic summary by cargo type

 

Typology	Volume / Units	Variation
Automobiles (Total)	661.303 u.	+ 4,7 %
Liquid Bulks	> 15 million t.	+ 16,8 %
Solid Bulks	3,6 million t.	-15,8%
UTI (Short Sea Shipping)	400.887 u.	+ 0,1 %

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about traffic at the Port of Barcelona

 

Which markets have driven container exports?
Exports grew by 5,2%, led by the recovery of trade with Algeria (+3848,4%) and the dynamism in Asia and the Middle East, specifically with the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, India and Saudi Arabia.

 

How has vehicle traffic evolved and what role does the electric car play?
Car traffic rose 4,7% (661.303 units), driven by a 40,3% increase in imports. Vehicles electric and hybrid They grew by 52,7%, now covering 12,32% of the total.

 

What behavior have liquid and solid bulk cargoes exhibited?
They have had opposite behaviors: bulk liquids grew by 16,8% thanks to gasoline and natural gas, while bulk solids decreased by 15,8%, totaling 3,6 million tons.