During the first half of 2025, exports from Spanish companies to six strategic countries in the region MENA They grew by 52,7%, reaching a value of 9.704 billion euros. According to data from Aresbank e ICEX, financial modernization and economic liberalization in Turquía, Argelia, Egipto, Iraq, Libia y Túnez have consolidated the region as a priority destination for foreign trade España.
Boom in foreign trade in North Africa and the Middle East
The region MENA (Middle East and North Africa) has transformed into a magnet for international capital and goods. A recent report prepared by AresbankThe financial institution specializing in foreign trade with this area highlights that the positive evolution is due to the diversification of trade relations and the modernization of local banking systems.
The data collected through the platform ESTACOM of the ICEX They leave no doubt about the quantitative leap of the last fiscal year. While in the first half of 2024 Spanish sales to the six main markets in the region stood at 6.356 billion euros, in the same period of 2025 the figure approached 10.000 billion.
| Commercial Indicator | 1st Semester 2024 | 1st Semester 2025 | Year-on-year variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export Volume (6 key countries) | 6.356 M€ | 9.704 M€ | + 52,7 % |
| Food industry | Outstanding growth | + 58,3 % | |
| Beverages | Outstanding growth | + 21,8 % |
The CEO Aresbank, Javier Sierra Sopranis, highlights the importance of understanding the environment to operate successfully: "As experts in the region MENA For the past 50 years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in the modernization of banking systems. Our recommendation is that simply understanding financial interests is not enough; it is also crucial to work with experts who understand how these interests operate at both a personal and business level..
Market overview: Türkiye and Algeria lead the way
The analysis broken down by country reveals that Turquía It remains the undisputed partner in the region, absorbing a large part of the trade flow, followed by a remarkable recovery in the Algerian market.
- Turquía: It is the main destination with a volume of 6.200 millones de euros84,10% of these sales correspond to the technology and industrial sector, driven by the automotive, chemical and semi-manufactured goods industries.
- Argelia: It is consolidated with 1.400 millones de eurosIndustrial and technological products dominate the balance, representing 67,79% of the total.
- Egipto: It maintains its status as a key partner in North Africa with exports worth 1.100 millones de euros.
- Túnez: Register 649 millones de euros, with a strong weight (74,25%) of the industrial sector, highlighting machinery for the environment, energy and automotive.
- Libia e Iraq: Although with smaller volumes (199 and 156 million euros respectively), they show a clear demand for Spanish technology and industry, exceeding 60% share in their respective shopping baskets.
Sectoral diversification and origin of exports
Although industrial and technological products lead the statistics, the report on Aresbank highlights exceptional behavior of food industry, which has grown a 58,3 % compared to the previous year. Beverages (+21,8%) and consumer goods (+15,1%) follow, demonstrating that the brand España diversifies its presence beyond infrastructure.
From a national geographical perspective, exports to MENA It is highly concentrated in provinces with a strong industrial and logistical tradition:
- Barcelona: The undisputed leader, it accounts for 22,7% of total exports to these six markets.
- Pontevedra: It occupies the second position with 14,8%, highlighting its strength in the northwest of the peninsula.
- Madrid: It completes the podium with 11,5% of the total.
Provinces like Valencia y Valladolid They close the "top 5", highlighting the importance of the Mediterranean coast and automotive clusters in the external projection towards the Arab world.
Key points and frequently asked questions about investing in the MENA region
Which sectors offer the greatest opportunities for Spanish companies?
The sectors with the greatest consolidated competitive advantages are industry and technology (automotive, chemical, energy), followed by a notable boom in the agri-food sector and consumer goods.
Which countries in the region lead the demand for Spanish products?
Turquía It is the main destination by volume (€6.200 billion), followed by Argelia (€1.400 M) and Egipto (€ 1.100 million). Túnez, Libia e Iraq They complete the list of priority markets.
Is external support necessary to operate in these markets?
Yes. Aresbank It strongly recommends seeking expert financial and cultural support to overcome barriers, understand risk, and navigate local banking systems safely.
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