Pablo de la Torre: "Spain has consolidated itself as a mature exporting economy with a record figure of 384.000 billion"

 

 

 

In-depth interview on the evolution, figures and challenges of Spanish business internationalization. Who: Pablo de la Torre, Director of International Business of Santander España. When: Analysis of the end of 2024 and perspectives for the biennium 2025-2026. Why: Integration of Spanish companies into global supply chains and strategic sectors.

 

El Banco Santander It is one of the world's largest financial institutions, with a leading presence in 10 major markets in Europa y AméricaIn our country, Santander España It positions itself as the strategic partner of reference for the business fabric, facilitating not only financing, but a unique global connectivity network that allows national companies to compete in international markets with the support of a solid and technologically advanced banking infrastructure.

 

Pablo de la Torre holds the position of Director of International Business at Santander EspañaWith extensive experience in the banking sector, he leads the strategy to support the international expansion of Spanish companies, coordinating territorial specialist centers and the development of complex financial products such as Export Finance.

 

What is your assessment of the first 25 years of the 21st century in terms of the internationalization of Spanish companies?

 

Pablo de la TorreThe overall assessment is clearly positive. In the last 25 years, Spain has ceased to be a domestic economy and has transformed into a mature export economy with a strong commitment to internationalization. The figures for the end of 2024 are irrefutable proof: more than 54.000 Spanish companies have established themselves as regular exporters, reaching a record export figure exceeding 384.000 millones de eurosLooking ahead to the end of 2025, we maintain a very optimistic view on the increase in these figures.

 

PTIt is crucial to highlight that internationalization is no longer limited to the export of goods and services. Spanish companies have opted for direct investment abroad and for joining other markets. strategic sectors and automotive, renewable energy, infrastructure, foods o technologies. According to data from Banco MundialSpanish exports already represent 37% of GDPThis represents an increase of 17 percentage points. This demonstrates that our companies are now larger, have greater geographical diversification, and provide higher added value.

 

What is the role of Banco Santander in supporting the internationalization of companies and how will that role evolve?

 

PT: Santander It has been acting as a strategic partner for decades. The 2025 figures reflect our commitment: we have supported internationalization with more than €25.000 billion in financing and has supported more than 160.000 companies in their international operations. Our leadership is based on being a global bank with a presence in 12 of our own geographic regions, allowing us to serve clients at their destinations, in addition to having a correspondent network in more than 150 countries.

 

Our evolution involves offering financial solutions and specialized advice at any stage of the company's life cycle. Furthermore, we continue to invest heavily in Artificial Intelligence, sustainability and new digital solutions to simplify our clients' external operations.

 

What are the main challenges and opportunities for Spanish foreign trade in the short and medium term?

 

PTThe international context is complex. Existing conflicts are compounded by the reconfiguration of trade resulting from... tariffs imposed by the administration TrumpThis impacts capital, debt, and currency markets with high volatility. However, there are reasons for optimism, such as the moderate but sustainable growth of European economies and the transformation that the Artificial Intelligencewhich I consider the greatest human transformation since the discovery of fire.

 

Spain must see these challenges as opportunities. We have a solid industrial base, strong infrastructure, and skilled talent. Our privileged geographical position allows us to consolidate our position as a logistics and commercial hub across Europa, the north of África y Américagenerating a sustainable competitive advantage.

 

What new features or key services are we promoting to support companies in this environment?

 

PTWe have evolved to serve needs that go beyond traditional currency collections, payments, and hedging. We have a specific offering for multinationals through bankers specializing in foreign investment. We have also created the team of Export Finance for Commercial Banking, leveraging our global capabilities to standardize project finance solutions that facilitate the expansion of our companies.

 

In the digital and management area, we have launched powerful tools such as:

 

• Cash Nexus: A global platform for the comprehensive management of the treasury of multinational companies.
• Digital Guarantees: To expedite the provision of guarantees in international projects and tenders.
• Real-time traceability: Solutions for comprehensive control of goods flows, collections and payments.
• International Business Centers: Specialists are present in all our territorial offices to advise on everything from the simplest to the most complex operations.

 

What trend do you consider most relevant for the coming months and what advice would you give to exporting companies?

 

PTThe most relevant trend is the need to integrate into the digital trade chainsFurthermore, sustainability is no longer optional; global supply chains demand certain criteria. ESG increasingly stringent. The current reconfiguration of international trade presents a golden opportunity to find reliable and sustainable suppliers and customers for the long term.

 

My advice is to continue pursuing international expansion with determination. Internationalization is an adventure, but in the Santander They will always find a reliable partner to accompany them every step of the way.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Internationalization

 

What impact do exports currently have on Spain's GDP?

Exports of goods and services have reached a weight of 37% of Spain's total GDP, after a sustained increase of 17 percentage points in the last 25 years.

 

What treasury management tools does Santander offer for multinational companies?

The entity has developed Cash Nexus, a global tool specifically designed for multinational companies to manage their treasury in a centralized and efficient manner.

 

What are the most immediate geopolitical challenges according to the expert?

The main challenges include the volatility of currency and debt markets, as well as the impact of the new US administration's tariff policy and international conflicts.

 

Strategic Concept	Detailed Data
Total Exports (End 2024)	> €384.000 Billion
Regular Exporting Companies	54.000 companies
Growth of External Opening	+17 percentage points of GDP
Finance Santander International (2025)	€25.000 Million
Global Coverage Santander	12 unique geographies and 150 countries
Accompanied Corporate Clients	160.000 companies