This is how exports are progressing after the first months of 2025: Aragon takes a breath

The Community reduces the fall in its foreign sales, but the low sales of the automotive sector continue to weigh on the economy.

Eduard Peralta Álvarez Wednesday, May 21, 2025 / 09:05

In a week marked by phone calls between the Trump administration and the warring parties in Ukraine seeking a ceasefire, Aragón is closely following the international roadmap, where the American magnate, of course, continues to set the tone. While the 90-day tariff moratorium marks the present, the reality is that an
uncertain and uncertain future permeates the markets, which are reeling.

Now, after a rather challenging start to 2025, Aragonese foreign trade is trying to ride the wave and moderate its decline in recent weeks thanks to the growth of the agri-food sector, consumer goods, and the opening of new markets. On the other hand, the sustained decline in car sales from the region leaves a negative impression.

THE LATEST DATA

The latest data published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, reflected in a report published this Tuesday by the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce , reveal that the accumulated year-on-year decline in Aragonese exports during the first quarter of 2025 stands at 16.05%, which represents an improvement of more than four points compared to the previous month. In March alone, the Community exported €1.328 billion worth of goods , reducing the rate of decline to 7.03% compared to the same month last year.

The collapse in vehicle exports has jeopardized overall figures, registering a 67.67% drop for the year to date. The decline is particularly noticeable in traditional markets on the Old Continent, such as Germany (down 46.2%) and France (down 36.2%). Nevertheless, within this sector, component exports have grown by 26.57% and now account for almost a third of the total automotive sector.

According to the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce, excluding complete vehicles, Aragonese exports would have increased by 9.36% in the quarter, a figure that confirms the growing diversification of the export sector. This trend reflects the adaptability of Aragonese companies in an international environment marked by uncertainty.

THE AGRO-FOOD SECTOR RESISTS AND CONSUMER GOODS GROW

By sector, food and beverages , the largest export sector, grew by 0.28% in the first quarter. Furthermore, consumer goods recorded the greatest relative growth , with a 25.7% increase, followed by capital goods (+10.6%), raw materials (+8.5%), and consumer goods (+7.6%). Only sales of industrial semi-manufactured goods (-11.8%) and, of course, complete vehicles, recorded significant declines.

The Chamber’s report also highlights the positive performance of exports of chemical products (+21%) and pharmaceuticals (+11.2%), as well as industrial sectors linked to non-ferrous metallurgy and electrical machinery.

TWO-THIRDS OF THE MARKET IS IN EUROPE

By region, the European Union remains Aragon’s main commercial destination (66.5% of total exports). However, this share has decreased slightly due to the decline in sales to countries such as Germany and France, impacted by the decline in the automobile industry. In contrast, Portugal maintains its positive trend, with growth of 25.7%.

One of the most notable figures is the 27% growth in exports to the United States, despite the tariff threat imposed by the US administration. The boost comes primarily from paper, capital goods, and industrial components, although wine fell 24%, weighed down by uncertainty and the loss of competitiveness compared to other markets.

Emerging markets such as Algeria (up 143%), Malaysia (up 75%), South Korea (up 63%), and Canada (up 45%) also deserve special mention, confirming the shift toward greater trade diversification. Overall, exports to Africa and the Americas grew by over 25%.

NEGATIVE BALANCE WITH INCREASING IMPORTS

Imports, however, continue to outnumber exports, and the negative balance is widening. Aragon purchased products from abroad worth €1.786 billion in March (the latest month for which data is available), representing a 37.16% increase compared to the same month in 2024. The cumulative increase for the first quarter is 1.05%.

Purchases are increasing in most sectors, with a particular emphasis on capital goods, energy products, and consumer goods. The main countries of origin for these purchases are China, Germany, France, South Korea, and the Netherlands , although imports from Hungary (97%), Ireland (84%), and Finland (61%) are also growing strongly.