Exports from the Valencian Community grew by 2,6% through March, driven by capital goods and the EU

 

The exports of the Valencia have reached the 9.733,5 millones de euros in the first quarter of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 2,6 %This progress, which significantly exceeds the national average of 0,7%, consolidates the competitiveness of Valencian businesses in a volatile global environment, according to data published by the Dirección Territorial de Comercio de la Comunitat Valenciana, dependent on the Secretaría de Estado de Comercio.

 

The Minister of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, Marián CanoHe has positively assessed these figures, highlighting that the Valencian growth rate surpasses the overall average of España. “In March, exports of the Comunitat Valenciana They have grown by 7,6% compared to the same month of the previous year, compared to 5,1% of España, which puts the increase in the first quarter at 2,6% compared to the national average of 0,7%.”, has explained.

 

Provincial analysis: Valencia and Castellón drive growth

 

Export performance shows a mixed evolution across provinces. Valencia leads the growth with an increase of 4,7%, reaching a value of 5.467,4 million euros. It is followed by Castellón, which registered a 2,5% increase with sales worth 2.364,8 million. Conversely, Alicante It experiences a contraction of 3,1%, with exports valued at 1.901,3 million euros. Overall, the Comunitat Valenciana It maintains its weight in the national total, representing 10% of Spanish exports.

 

“Our companies are maintaining their commitment in a complex and highly volatile international scenario; from the Conselleria de Industria We accompany companies in this process, trying to facilitate their international journey, with servicesiOS and programs adapted to your needs at any given time.”he emphasized Cano.

 

Exports by province – First Quarter 2026

 

Province Value (Millions €) Year-on-Year Change Valencia 5.467,4 + 4,7% Castellón 2.364,8 + 2,5% Alicante 1.901,3 -3,1% TOTAL C. Valenciana 9.733,5 + 2,6 %

 

Capital goods and automotive, drivers of sectoral growth

 

By sector, the analysis of the first quarter reveals remarkable dynamism in higher value-added products. Although the agro-food products They remain the main export sector (27,9% of the total), although their growth has slowed to 0,7%. The key players during this period are:

 

• Capital goods: With 16,1% of total exports, they are experiencing a spectacular growth of 18,6% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
• Chemical products: They show a positive trend with an increase of 7,4%.
• Automotive sector: It is recovering strongly, registering an increase of 5,6%.

 

In contrast, non-chemical semi-manufactured goods suffered a decline of 9,1%, reflecting the complexity of the cost and demand environment for certain industrial products.

 

Europe consolidates its position as the main trading partner

 

The strategy of Valencian companies has focused on consolidating nearby markets. Exports to Europa They grew by 5,5%, with an even greater boost in the single market of the Unión Europea, where sales increased by 7,8%. Marián Cano He has indicated that “European markets offer stability compared to the volatility of other markets”.

 

Within the UE, the main trading partners strengthen their position:

 

• Francia: First client, with 13,6% of the total and a growth of 7,3%.
• Alemania: Second destination, with 12,5% ​​and an increase of 6,3%.
• Italia, Portugal y Países Bajos They also registered significant increases.

 

This trend contrasts with the evolution of other markets: América y Asia They experienced declines of 9,6% and 12,2% respectively. Meanwhile, África It registered an increase of 2,6%, driven notably by a 30% growth in sales to Argelia.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Valencian exports in 2026

 

Which Valencian sectors currently offer the greatest export opportunities?

According to data from the first quarter of 2026, the sectors with the greatest dynamism and opportunity are the equipment goods, with a growth of 18,6%, the automotive sector (+5,6%) and the Chemicals (+7,4%). These high value-added segments are leading export growth above more traditional sectors such as agri-food.

 

Why does the European market remain a safe bet for Valencian exporting companies?

The market Unión Europea (+7,8%) offers stability and predictability in a context of high volatility in other regions such as América o AsiaLogistical proximity, the absence of tariff barriers, and strong demand growth in key partners such as Francia y Alemania This makes it the strategic pillar for the internationalization of Valencian companies.

 

How does the disparity in growth between provinces (Valencia/Castellón vs. Alicante) affect the internationalization strategy?

The difference in behavior suggests a concentration of growth in the industrial and logistics hubs of Valencia y Castellón, linked to capital goods, automotive and chemical industries. The contraction in Alicante This could indicate greater exposure to less dynamic sectors or markets. For managers, this implies the need to analyze product and market portfolios and consider geographic and sector diversification as a risk mitigation tool.