The Spanish Factoring Association (AEF) has reported that, during 2024, the joint activity of factoring and confirming in Spain reached 266.652 millones de euros, which represents a 1,38% decrease compared to the previous year. This adjustment responds to the consolidation of the economic cycle, following the significant increases in 28% in 2022 and the 5% in 2023.
Carlos Dalmau, president of the AEF, explained that this adjustment responds to several factors: "2024 has been a year of consolidation. There has been increased financing through insurance policies, and, in addition, international factoring has declined due to the economic situation in the main export markets of Spanish companies within the EU.".
International factoring: one third of the total and key to internationalization
In exclusive statements to Foreign CompanyDalmau highlighted the importance of factoring and confirming in foreign trade: "International factoring represents a third of total factoring and confirming revenue in Spain. Its impact is key for companies that invoice within the European market, facilitating financing and ensuring payment for their international sales.".
In this regard, he stressed that, although international confirming has shown some slowdown, it is still a fundamental tool for the operations of exporting companies. "In a context where Spanish companies are increasingly expanding internationally and more successfully, international factoring has clearly established itself as a support tool to strengthen their presence in different markets.", Dalmau said.
Domestic factoring grows, but international factoring shrinks
Breaking down the numbers, the national factoring recorded a slight growth in 0,63%, reflecting the strength of the domestic market, while the international factoring He suffered a near-fall 11%, affected by the slowdown in demand in several European countries.
Regarding confirming, the AEF highlighted that the volume of payment orders managed continued to grow in 2024, reaching the 262.000 millones de euros, which supposes 144.000 billion more than six years ago.
Sectoral distribution and outlook for 2025
El industrial sector and trade They continue to lead the use of factoring and confirming, representing almost 50% of total activity. By regions, Madrid, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Basque Country and Andalusia They concentrate approximately the 79% of the business, following the trend of previous years.
Looking ahead, the AEF foresees a return to growth in 2025, estimating a low single-digit increase, supported by the recovery of exports and the strength of the industrial sector. In addition, the association has launched Inblock, an new digitalization project to improve invoice management and reduce the administrative burden for SMEs.
Despite the slight decline in 2024, factoring and confirming remain essential tools for the financing of Spanish companies, especially in a context where the Capabilities and security in collections play a crucial role in global expansion.