Catalan economy grows 0.9% in third quarter
Figures for July to September show industry and housing led the way with substantial increases in activity compared with last year
The Catalan economy continued its “strong growth” in the third quarter of 2017, with a 0.9% increase in activity compared with last year, one point higher than the figure for the whole of Spain. According to figures from the Catalan economy ministry, the Spanish tax office and the Idescat statistics office, industry experienced the healthiest numbers, with a 3.7% increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, Catalan GDP between July and September stood at 3.5%, half a point higher than in the second quarter.
After industry, the building sector showed the most activity, with a rise in growth of 6.8% thanks to an increase in the construction of homes. Meanwhile, activity in the service sector also went up, with the third quarter figures suggesting a 3.3% rise compared with last year. Finally, activity in the tourist industry also went up with foreign tourism rising 7.8% over last year, higher than the average for Spain as a whole.