The second quarter of this year saw a significant boost in Catalan exports of high -tech products, with a year-on-year increase of 24.5%, according to data released by the Statistics Institute of catalonia (IDESCAT). This growth contrasts with declines in medium-high (-5.8%) and medium-low (-6.6%) technology products, positioning high value-added exports as a key driver of the commercial balance.These figures suggest a fundamental shift in the Catalan economic structure.

The commitment to the most intensive sectors of knowledge and innovation is proving beneficial. High-tech exports reached €3,531.4 million, representing 14.2% of total industrial exports. Within this category, pharmaceuticals experienced a 23.2% increase, while the computer, electronic, and optical sector saw an even greater rise of 26.6%.

The geographical distribution of high-tech exports reveals a distinct trend. Growth is mainly due to demand explosion in markets outside the European Union, which increased a spectacular 48.2%. Sales within the EU saw a more modest increase of 4.2%. This diversification reduces economic dependence on the European market and creates new growth opportunities.

Conversely,exports of medium-high technology products (€11,694 million,-5.8%) and medium-low technology products (€3,087 million,-6.6%) experienced notable declines. These decreases are concentrated in sectors like chemical and material products (-9.9%) and electrical equipment, machinery, and vehicles (-4%). These conventional Catalan industries are facing reduced international competitiveness. Sales to the rest of the world fell more sharply (-13.9% and -9.3%, respectively) than those to the EU, which saw a slight increase for medium-high products (+0.8%).

IDESCAT data They paint the portrait of an economy in transition. Catalunya is successfully reorienting its export model to more sophisticated products and with greater added value, a key strategic movement to ensure its competitiveness on the global scenario. While the traditional sectors face challenges, the thrust of pharmaceuticals and technology not only compensates for these descents, but also projects an image of modern, innovative economy and with international projection.

With a dynamic productive fabric and outside, Catalunya is the largest export economy in the staterepresenting more than a quarter of the country’s total exports. Its export capacity is based on a diversified industry. The key sectors are car, chemistry, machines and equipment and agri -food. The main commercial partner is the European Union, with France and Germany in front, but there is also a strong presence in extra -community markets such as the United States and Asia.

“Catalunya is successfully reorienting its export model to more sophisticated products and with greater added value.”

Catalonia’s Economic Transformation: An Explainer