> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Catalonia Now Accounts for 26% of Spain’s Exports as Imports Outpace Strong Sales
- URL: https://barna.news/catalonia-now-accounts-for-26-of-spains-exports-as-imports-outpace-strong-sales/
- Published: 2025-11-22T10:05:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-12T09:37:28.000Z
- Description: Catalonia export growth reached 6% in September, outperforming Spain’s 2.6% increase. However, imports grew faster, widening the trade deficit to €1.47 billion.
- Author: Barbara Town
- Tags: Economy & Finance

Catalonia export growth surged by nearly 6% in September, significantly outpacing the broader Spanish economy according to new trade data.

The region’s overseas sales reached €8.57 billion, while national exports grew only 2.6% to €32.42 billion during the same period.

This strong performance means Catalonia now accounts for 26.4% of all Spanish exports, regaining its position as a key driver of the country’s international trade.

[Your browser does not support the video tag.](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBd3cR5PO18Qtyxp22I?ref=barna.news) 

The chemical sector led the expansion, representing 28% of total exports, followed by food, beverages and tobacco at 16.4%.

## Catalonia Export Growth Faces Import Challenge

However, the positive export news comes with a significant caveat. While exports grew strongly, imports increased even faster at nearly 10%, reaching €10.04 billion in September. Consequently, the region’s trade deficit widened substantially from €1.04 billion last September to €1.47 billion this year.

The first nine months of 2025 reveal a similar pattern. Catalan exports grew 1.5% to €75.33 billion, but imports increased 4.9% to €86.55 billion. Therefore, the cumulative trade deficit has expanded to €11.21 billion, compared to €8.34 billion during the same period in 2024.

Furthermore, the data shows Catalonia’s increasing importance as [Barcelona secures its role as India’s gateway to Europe](https://barna.news/barcelona-secures-role-as-indias-gateway-to-europe/), though this strategic position hasn’t yet reversed the deficit trend.

Equipment goods and the automotive sector also contributed significantly to export growth at 16.3% and 13.6% respectively. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of Catalan exports (60.7%) went to European Union countries, with sales to non-eurozone EU members growing 4%.

The [Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise data](https://www.ara.cat/economia/comerc/catalunya-recupera-pes-exportador-creix-deficit-comercial%5F1%5F5569003.html?ref=barna.news) also reveals how global conflicts have affected trade patterns. Exports to Ukraine increased 26.6%, while sales to Russia declined 2.1%. Additionally, Catalan exports to the United States fell 1.6%, reflecting ongoing trade tensions.

This export performance occurs against a backdrop of broader economic challenges, including [youth joblessness hitting 20.6% and sparking crisis talks](https://barna.news/youth-joblessness-hits-20-6-sparks-crisis-talks/) across the region. The widening trade gap suggests that while Catalonia remains an export powerhouse, maintaining competitiveness in an uncertain global market presents ongoing challenges.

[**Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for instant news updates!**](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6PJDh6WaKjaAcWAX1h?ref=barna.news)

**Source:** [**Read original article**](https://www.ara.cat/economia/comerc/catalunya-recupera-pes-exportador-creix-deficit-comercial%5F1%5F5569003.html?ref=barna.news)