The Spanish economy strengthens its international position to face geopolitical uncertainty.

This 12.6% increase compared to the previous year, the largest since the index was compiled, reverses the decline of 2023 and positions Spain with greater resilience in the face of the growing «geopolitical storm» that is coming in 2025.

 

The ISI, which assesses 19 key indicators, reflects a more robust internationalization of Spanish industry, a crucial factor in the current climate of global uncertainty. Joan Tristany, general director of amec, the association for the promotion of the internationalized industry, highlights that this increase is due, in large part, to the substantial recovery of the Export Indicator for 2024.

 

“2024 was the year in which many companies reaped the rewards of decisions made in 2022 and 2023, such as reorganizing supply chains and investing in alternative markets,” explains Tristany. While acknowledging that global trade showed signs of recovery with 2% growth, he emphasizes the ability of Spanish companies to “navigate wisely,” anticipate trends, and adapt. This skill has been fundamental in mitigating the impact of the current crisis. tariff war.

 

 

Spain is consolidating its position as a preferred destination for international investment in an environment of high global uncertainty, standing out against the sharp declines recorded in European economies such as Germany, Italy, and France.

 

 

Diversification and Investment Attraction

 

The solidity achieved is also supported by the positive performance of indicators such as Business Diversification and Geographical Diversification of Exports. While the traditional markets remain important, in 2024 a notable expansion was observed towards Asia, Africa and Latin AmericaThis strategy has allowed a export structure more balanced and less dependent, which, according to Tristany, reduces the vulnerability of companies to unexpected changes in the rules of the global game.

 

In addition, the ISI has been boosted by the highest values ​​in the historical series in Investment in the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Investment“Spain is consolidating its position as a preferred destination for global capital in the face of the volatility of other markets,” says Tristany, despite the drop in international investment flows in traditional economies such as Germany, France or Italy.

Competitiveness and Pending Challenges

 

Spain's external competitiveness remains strong, as demonstrated by the indicator of World Quota, which indicates that the country exports more than its share of GDP. Furthermore, the share of exports in GDP stands at 37%, approaching the ideal value of 40%.

 

However, it's not all good news. Tristany warns about the drastic drop in the number of Spanish exporting companies Over the past four years, the number has fallen from more than 235,000 in 2021 to 132,000 currently. "These figures should raise a red flag," emphasizes the director general of amec, who urges the implementation of policies that strengthen public financial instruments for internationalization and streamline bureaucratic processes.

 

Also of concern is the stagnation of the Regular Exporters indicator, which has decreased in 2024 and in recent years. Similarly, the Technological Intensity indicator has negatively contributed to the ISI. Tristany emphasizes the importance of promoting innovation and investment in high value-added sectors to ensure that Spain's internationalized industry continues to be a pillar of economic stability.

 

Finally, the report highlights the need to address the Barriers indicator, as forecasts point to a possible decrease. "It is essential that Spain and Europe strengthen their international negotiation capabilities, ensuring that our companies can compete on a level playing field in all markets," concludes Joan Tristany, emphasizing that technical, regulatory, or tariff barriers must not continue to hinder development. international trade.