Catalan exports fall again in May by 3.4% amid 'high global uncertainty'

Exports in Catalonia fell in May for the second consecutive month, reaching €8.91 billion, a 3.4% decrease compared to the same month last year.

According to data from Spain's economy ministry, Catalonia's foreign sales represented 25% of all Spanish exports.

Imports totaled €9.77 billion, down 0.3% year-on-year, and accounted for 26% of Spain’s total imports.

The chemical sector was Catalonia’s top exporting industry, despite a 10.9% drop to €2.65 billion.

Capital goods were the second-largest, with a 9.8% increase, followed by food, beverages, and tobacco, which rose by 8%.

From January to May, total exports from Catalonia reached €42.08 billion, almost identical to the same period last year.

Exports fell across all Catalan regions, especially in Lleida (-4%) and Barcelona (-3.7%).

At the national level, Spanish exports rose by 0.8% in May, reaching €35 billion, while imports increased by 1.3% to €37.54 billion.

The economy ministry highlighted that the current international context remains one of “high uncertainty.”

However, it also noted that Spanish exports performed better than those of Germany (+0.4%), France (-2.4%), and Italy (-1.9%).