It was difficult to start after the dire impact of the outbreak of the pandemic, but the shoe was finally back on track, pulling exports from Alicante strongly again, bringing them to unprecedented numbers. State sold abroad for at least 7,068 million euros in 2022, after an increase of 13.69%, the shoe industry leading the rankings, and metals and plastics are also posting strong growth. Agri-food products, on the other hand, reinforce Alicante’s rising line and weight in foreign trade. Imports broke a record with 5 billion 954 million.a record achieved largely thanks to the normalization of business transactions from China.
Exports from the province are going fast exceeded 7,000 million for the first time in annual calculationand this is despite the uncertainty that exists internationally as a result of the war in Ukraine, the high costs companies have to face, and the inflation that poses a permanent threat to the dynamism of the markets. The data published by the Alicante Provincial Directorate of Foreign Trade, which corresponds to the last year, reflecting an increase that allows us to beat historical figures once again shows this.
At the beginning of this rise is the footwear industry, which is one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic as a result of the restrictions that lead to the suspension of all kinds of social activities. Well, after his special journey in the desert, The footwear industry closed the year 2022 with a 17.9% increase in international sales, reaching 1,320 million units.124 more than in 2019 before the health crisis broke out.
On the other hand, increases in some branches of methane are striking.O. Aluminum grew by 24.4% to reach 391 million units; Machinery and mechanical devices, which increased by 18% to 196 million; electronic devices and materials increased by 10.8% and remained at 193 million. Plastic is also experiencing more than a particularly significant increase of 15.8%, which brings the total export figure to 442 million.
agriculture-food
The agriculture-food sector likewise reaffirms its weight in the foreign trade of the province. 484 million and 6.5% in legumes and vegetables; and 14.4% of 293 million canned vegetables and fruits.
On the other hand, reference should be made to companies working for the automotive sector, whose overseas sales fell by 50.9%.up to 183 million due to the bad moment experienced by the industry almost all of last year due to the supply crisis of components.
In conclusion, the global final balance is positive and there are reasons for it. Apart from the resurgence of consumption after the worst moments of the pandemic, Marián Cano, president of the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal), explains that there are other factors affecting the recovery. In his own words, “Supply chains that have run so poorly and have caused so many problems for companies have tended to normalize their operation. Moreover The displacement of some of the processes of many companies was reflected in the figures.». The uncertainty lies in what might happen next, because according to Cano “inflation continues to be there, and there may be a time when it finally starts to affect consumption.”
Luis Rodríguez, president of the Alicante State Metal Entrepreneurs Federation (Fempa), It refers to the efforts of certain companies to modernize their production processes, as well as the parity between the euro and the dollar.mainly benefits from exports. “Sales abroad are increasing. Another thing is the benefits, because companies are maximizing their margins to stay competitive,” he argues.
La Foia de Castalla is the main plastics production center in the province. Héctor Torrente, president of the Ibiae regional employers’ association, said the significant increase in exports in the sector ” product quality and service to our customers. This is something that is valued and we are increasingly recognized internationally.
Imports, on the other hand, experienced an increase of 22.24%, above exports, and China ranked first with an increase of 22.8%, and the sales figure reached 1 billion 588 million. The relaxation of restrictions in the Asian giant and the normalization of production and commercial activities, and the consequent need to obtain raw materials, had a major impact on this rise..
Spain’s exports also broke a record in 2022, with 389,000 million, following an increase of 23%. The Valencia Community’s exports, on the other hand, broke a record in 2022 with 39,600 million, following an increase of 22.2%.