agriculture-food
The province of Alicante saw exports rebound after a tough pandemic period, pushing total outward shipments to a level not seen in years. In 2022, the region reported foreign sales of at least 7,068 million euros, marking a 13.69% rise and placing the footwear sector at the forefront of the export mix. Metals and plastics also contributed strong gains, while agri-food products increased their share in foreign trade. Imports reached a record 5,954 million euros, a rise driven largely by a normalization of trade with China.
Exports from Alicante quickly surpassed the 7,000 million euro mark for the first time in a full-year calculation, despite ongoing international uncertainties from the Ukraine conflict, elevated input costs, and persistent inflation threatening market momentum. These figures, published by the Alicante Provincial Directorate of Foreign Trade, reflect the most recent year and show a return to historical highs.
The footwear sector led the recovery, recovering from pandemic disruptions that had curtailed many social activities. By the end of 2022, international sales in footwear rose 17.9%, totaling 1,320 million units, or 124 million more than the 2019 pre-crisis level.
Other notable gains occurred in several product categories: aluminum grew 24.4% to 391 million units, machinery and mechanical devices rose 18% to 196 million, electronic devices and materials increased 10.8% to 193 million, and plastics surged 15.8%, bringing the total plastics export to 442 million.
In the agriculture-food sector, the sector’s weight in the province’s foreign trade reinforced its position. Legumes and vegetables accounted for 484 million euros, up 6.5%, while canned vegetables and fruits reached 293 million euros, up 14.4%.
Conversely, automotive-related exports faced a downturn, falling 50.9% to 183 million due to a difficult year for the industry caused by a component supply crisis. This shift underscores the sensitivity of the regional economy to global supply chain dynamics.
Overall, the year closed on a positive note. After the pandemic’s darkest moments, consumption rebounded, supported by other structural drivers. Marián Cano, president of the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal), highlighted that supply chains had begun to normalize, and the transfer of some production steps abroad contributed to the improved figures. Yet he warned that inflation remains a risk, with potential effects on consumer demand in the future. [Attribution: Avecal remarks, as reported by provincial economic observers]
Luis Rodríguez, president of the Alicante State Metal Entrepreneurs Federation (Fempa), pointed to ongoing modernization by certain firms and the favorable currency environment aiding exports. He noted that overseas sales were rising, margins were being preserved to stay competitive, and the sector was benefiting from better price dynamics in international markets. [Attribution: Fempa commentary, cited in regional trade analyses]
La Foia de Castalla stands as the province’s main plastics production hub. Héctor Torrente, president of the Ibiae regional employers’ association, attributed the surge in plastics exports to the quality of products and strong service to customers, factors that enhance international recognition.
Imports, meanwhile, grew by 22.24% in 2022, outpacing exports, with China delivering the largest increase at 22.8%. The value of imports from China reached 1,588 million euros as restrictions eased and production and trade activities normalized, underscoring the continued demand for raw materials from Asia. [Source: Alicante foreign trade data, 2022]
Spain’s national exports reached a historical high of 389,000 million euros in 2022, up 23%. For the Valencia Community, exports recorded 39,600 million euros, up 22.2% year over year. [National export statistics, 2022]
In summary, the year produced a positive external balance as demand recovered post-pandemic and production chains stabilized. The tone from regional business leaders points to a mix of normalization, improved efficiency, and critical exposure to global market conditions. The ongoing watchword remains inflation and its potential impact on future demand, but the trajectory for Alicante’s export sectors appears solid as companies adapt and invest in modernization and competitive positioning.
Note: The information reflects the Alicante Provincial Directorate of Foreign Trade’s latest annual report and regional industry commentary, with data attributed to sector associations and trade analyses. [Citation: Alicante Provincial Directorate of Foreign Trade; Avecal; Fempa; Ibiae]