Exports from the Valencian Community beat the national average and exceeded 16.700 billion euros up to May

INTERNATIONALIZATION AND FOREIGN TRADE

El international Business Valencian companies maintained a steady growth rate during the first five months of 2026. With a year-on-year increase of 4,2%, the volume of exports from the Valencian Community reached €16.752,8 million, consolidating its export position in Spain. The sustained momentum of food industry, the strong takeoff of the equipment goods and the consolidation of the european markets They have been key to cushioning the falls in other geographical areas and far exceeding the state average commercial performance.

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The Valencian business sector continues to demonstrate its strength in international markets. According to the latest data recorded by the Territorial Directorate of Commerce—a body linked to the Secretary of State for Commerce-, the exports from the Valencian Community They totaled 16.752,8 million euros between January and May, which translates into an increase of 4,2% compared to the same period of the previous year.

This commercial dynamism contrasts positively with the rest of the country. Marián Cano, Minister of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, highlighted this scenario, noting that the region has experienced consecutive monthly growth rates that significantly outperform the national average at the start of 2026.

"In May, exports from the Valencian Community grew by 4,2% compared to the same month of the previous year, compared to -0,9% for Spain, which puts the increase in the January-May period also at 4,2% compared to the national average of 1,3%.“The regional minister explained. Thanks to these figures, the autonomous community is strengthening its market share in the balance of trade Spanish, concentrating 10,1% of the total foreign sales the country.

Provincial snapshot of foreign sales The territorial analysis shows a mixed, though mostly positive, trend. The province of Valencia It acts as the main export engine, generating €9.411 billion and achieving the largest regional increase (+ 6,1%). Castellon It follows closely in an upward trend, trading goods for an amount of 4.183,3 million euros (+ 5,4%). The other side of the coin is presented Alicante , whose exports suffered a slight contraction of 2,2%, closing the first five months with 3.158 billion euros.

To further boost these metrics, the regional government emphasizes its commitment to support for internationalization. "Our goal, from the Ministry of Industry, is to facilitate the internationalization of our companies, with aid and personalized support adapted to their needs in each of the markets.“Marian Cano assured.

The weight of agriculture and the take-off of capital goods At the sectoral level, the agro-food products They continue to be the flagship of Valencian exports, accounting for 26,2% of the total exported volume thanks to a year-on-year improvement of 1,2%. However, the most dynamic sector in this part of the year has been... equipment goodswhich already represent 16,6% of international operations after registering an outstanding advance of 20,9% compared to the January-May period of 2025.

Meanwhile, the Chemicals (13,9% market share) have grown by 7,4%, and the automotive It has managed to surpass the €1.700 billion mark, after posting a 3,8% increase. The only notable decline among the major items has been felt in the non-chemical semi-manufactures, which have experienced a drop of 7,1%.

Europe as a safe haven from global volatility Uncertainty in some parts of the world has led Valencian companies to seek security with their traditional partners. The European area has acted as a stabilizer of the international logistics and capital flows, absorbing a volume of shipments that has increased by 6,5% in the continental market, a percentage that rises to 8,8% if we consider only shipments to the European Union.

Within this environment, France It remains unchanged as the leading trading partner (13,2% of total exports and a growth of +7,5%), seconded by Germany, (11,9% market share and a strong increase of +10%). Operations to Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands also ended the period with a positive balance.

In contrast to European traction, the international markets Exports to more distant markets have suffered setbacks. Exports to the Americas and Asia contracted by 7,5% and 11,1%, respectively. On a positive note, reflecting a diversification of destinations, Africa saw a 5,3% increase in demand compared to 2025 figures.