The General Assembly of cofearfe, held in June 2025 in Valencia, not only reviewed the achievements of 2024, but also laid the foundations for a future marked by innovation and international expantion. The association, recognized as the sole sectoral interlocutor In terms of exports to the Spanish authorities, it underlines its fundamental role in the Capabilities of the sector.
During 2024, COFEARFE facilitated the participation of numerous Spanish companies in international fairs of great relevance as Eisenwarenmesse, Interzum Bogotá, SICAM and IWF Atlanta, in strategic collaboration with ICEX. These actions were complemented with reverse missions at national fairs such as Fimma-Maderalia and Eurobrico, which managed to attract a significant number of international buyers to Spain. In addition, business ties were strengthened through B2B meetings and personalized support services were offered, including project development. SICOMEX and joint showrooms for companies with synergies.
The bet for digitalization It was evident in 2024, with the organization of more than a dozen specialized webinars which addressed crucial issues such as electronic invoicing, the strategic use of artificial intelligence in exports, commercial opportunities with international organizations such as the UN, and the geopolitical impact of conflicts such as the one in Red Sea and Brexit.
Looking ahead to 2025, the COFEARFE Sectoral Plan contemplates an intensification of actions, with confirmed participation in important international fairs such as BAU, Interzum Colonia, Spoga Gafa and SICAM, in order to explore new markets and consolidate business relationships. Francisco Hernandis, president of COFEARFEHe emphasized: "The sector has once again demonstrated its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to growth. At COFEARFE, we remain dedicated to providing our member companies with valuable tools for their internationalization, especially in areas such as digitalization, the strategic use of AI, and logistics optimization."
The assembly also presented a positive assessment of the aid managed for companies and the evolution of key tools such as Localiza Export and the Bathroom and Kitchen Equipment Market Observatory, which reinforce the market knowledge and the strategic diagnosis for international competitiveness.
The Solid Export Balance of 2024 and Positive Trends in 2025
The Spanish hardware and DIY sector closed 2024 with a notable export dynamism. According to COFEARFE's 2024 Annual Export Barometer, exports reached 2.463 millones de euros, which consolidates sustained growth. The main export destinations in 2024 were:
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France: 14,98% of the total exported
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Germany, : 13,57%
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Portugal: 12,85%
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Italy: 6,34%
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United States: 4,46%
The positive trend continued in the first quarter of 2025, with exports exceeding 653 millones de euros, which represents a 3,34% growth compared to the same period last year. France continued to be the main destination, although with a slight decrease, while Portugal and Germany also held the top positions. The significant growth in markets such as Italy (29,69%) and Romania (15,92%).
In addition, COFEARFE implemented an ambitious program of direct trade missions in 2024, covering emerging and established markets such as Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mexico, Sweden and Denmark, which allowed Spanish companies to explore new business opportunities.
The international dimension of the FIMMA-Maderalia and Eurobrico trade fairs was also strengthened. At Maderalia, a del% increase 173 International buyers, totaling 109, and the participation of six key international influencers. Eurobrico, for its part, had 6 international buyers. For the next editions in 13, COFEARFE plans double the number of international visitors and expand the network of prescribers, consolidating the position of the Spanish sector in global markets.
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