Catalonia's exports rise 5% in August to nearly €6.77bn, highest level since 2023

Catalonia's exports totalled €6.77 billion in August, up 5% from €6.45 billion in the same month last year, according to data released on Tuesday by Spain's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise.

The figure was the highest for August since 2023 and the third-highest on record for the month.

Imports also increased, rising 4.8% year-on-year to €8.33 billion, their highest level ever recorded for August.

The gap between exports and imports left Catalonia with a trade deficit of €1.56 billion in August, 3.8% wider than a year earlier.

Exports up 2% in first eight months

Between January and August, Catalonia's exports totalled €68.1 billion, up 2% on the same period last year, while imports rose 2.6% to €78.5 billion. Catalonia's cumulative trade deficit reached €10.4 billion, an increase of 6.7% year-on-year.

Among Catalonia's leading export sectors, capital goods recorded the strongest growth in August, with overseas sales rising 5.8% year-on-year to €1.17 billion.

Chemical products also posted an increase, albeit a more modest one, with exports up 0.7% to €1.93 billion.

By contrast, exports of food, beverages and tobacco fell 9% year-on-year to €1.17 billion.

Across Spain as a whole, exports reached €27.6 billion in August, up 13.3% from the same month last year, outpacing the rate of growth recorded in Catalonia.

Imports rose even faster, climbing 16.7% year-on-year to €35.4 billion, while the trade deficit widened by 30.6% to €7.81 billion.