Catalan exports grow 16.3% in the first four months of 2011
Sales abroad have been growing at a two-digit rate for 16 consecutive months, being the true engine of the Catalan economy and the main asset towards recuperating economic growth.
Barcelona (ACN).- Catalan companies sold 17.6 billion euros abroad during the first four months of 2011, which represented a 16.33% growth in relation to the same period in 2010, according to data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy. Sales in April 2011 increased 10.34% in relation to the previous month, accumulating 16 consecutive months with a two-digit growth. The weakness of internal consumption has reduced the share of imports compared to exports. However, they have also grown significantly at a 13.66% rate during the first four months of 2011, three points less than exports. In the last 12 months, the trade deficit has increased by 7%.
The main exporting industries in April, in relation to the last calculable month, were chemical companies, together with equipment goods and automotive enterprises. They have increased by 15.81%, 11.58% and 13.68% respectively. Products from the food industry also increased their sales by 16.71%, half-manufactured and non chemical goods, 4.08% and energy products, 70.33%
However, not all Catalan economic sector exports experienced good results in April. Long-duration consumption goods, raw materials, other goods and manufactured products have fallen by 29.44%, 6.91%, 3.22%, and 2.44% respectively.
The European Union is the main buyer of Catalan products
Looking at geographic destinations, the European Union continues to be the first destination for Catalan exports. They represent 67.16%. They have grown 9.95% in April compared to March 2011. Looking only at Eurozone countries, they absorb 56.65% of Catalan exports, increasing by 10.75% in the same period. Therefore, non-EU countries bought 32.84% of Catalan exports, increasing 11.16%.
Reviewing the first four months
Looking at the behaviour of the different industries during the first four months of 2011, the most dynamic have been the chemical industry, equipment goods and the automotive sector. They have accumulated growth rates of 16.68%, 22.64% and 19.03% respectively.