La Cámara de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de Madrid has organized the webinar «China in the face of the new global order: geopolitical keys and opportunities for Spanish companiesThe meeting served to analyze how the Asian country has consolidated itself as a structural and unavoidable reality for foreign trade, with a GDP growth forecast close to 4,5% by 2026.
An economic giant with structural challenges
During the day, Ricardo Santa María, Representative of Cesce, has broken down the magnitude of the Chinese market, which currently boasts a GDP exceeding 20 trillions of dollarsWith a middle class that already includes more than 700 million people, China It remains the world's leading factory, concentrating the 32% of global manufacturing output.
However, the country faces significant challenges that Spanish companies must monitor, such as the "demographic winter" and a real estate crisis affecting the 20% of its GDPDespite these cracks, its role as the main consumer of raw materials (between 20% and 50% of the world's consumption of copper, nickel and iron) ensures its relevance in international value chains.
| Macroeconomic Indicator | Data / Value |
|---|---|
| GDP Growth Forecast (2026) | Up to 4,5% |
| trade exchange UE China (Annual) | >€700.000 billion |
| Weight in World GDP | 19 % |
| Current Account Balance Surplus (China) | $1,2 Trillion |
| Spanish exports to China | ~8.000 M€ |
| Spanish imports from China | ~50.000 M€ |
The trade imbalance with Spain
One of the most critical points analyzed has been the trade deficit of España with the Asian giant. Currently, the trade imbalance with China explains the 90% of the entire Spanish trade deficitWhile Spanish exports are around 8.000 billion euros, imports amount to 50.000 billion, creating a growing gap that worries analysts.
Given this situation, experts emphasize that the discussion for entrepreneurs should not be whether or not to enter the Chinese market, but ratherwhat strategy do I need with China and that China You need my strategy"It is essential to abandon concepts from two decades ago and understand that protection, choice of partners and time horizon are the keys to operating safely."
Sectors of opportunity and Trade Mission
La Cámara de Madrid, under the coordination of Miguel Bufalá and the address of Susana Fernández Pérez (Asia Office), has identified priority areas for Spanish investment and exports:
- Energy transition: Renewable energy and decarbonization.
- Electric mobility: Electric vehicle value chain.
- Premium agri-food: Food safety and high value-added products.
- Industrial technology: Automation, smart manufacturing and biotechnology.
As a next step for interested companies, a Trade Mission to China y Vietnam which will take place between May 25 and 29This initiative will allow participants to establish direct contacts with potential partners and explore the market firsthand.
The event also had the collaboration of prestigious entities such as Qatar Airways, represented by Alberto Bodas Mazario, Kuehne+Nagel, the Enterprise Europe Network and Comunidad de Madrid.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Chinese market
Which sectors have the most potential for Spanish companies in China?
The greatest opportunities are concentrated in the renewable energy, the electric mobility, advanced industrial technologies and the sector of the premium agri-food, driven by the country's industrial modernization and energy transition.
How important is the upcoming Trade Mission in May?
The mission organized by the Cámara de Madrid (May 25-29) is key for companies to get to know the market on the ground, generate contacts with potential partners and diversify their markets in a highly dynamic region.
What is the state of bilateral trade between Spain and China?
There is a strong structural imbalance; the trade deficit with China represents the 90% of Spain's total deficitWhile the country is the leading Asian export market, imports (€50.000 billion) far exceed Spanish sales (€8.000 billion).
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