Alicante’s exports showed solid momentum last March, driven by rising sales across key sectors. The local economy has managed to weather inflation-related uncertainty that slowed activity in other areas.
Export data from ICEX released this Thursday show Alicante’s overseas shipments grew by 18.1% in March, reaching 723.8 million euros. This marked an acceleration from February, when growth stood at 7%. Cumulatively, the first quarter totals 1.951 billion euros, up 14.79% year over year.
The province’s agricultural sector led the early-year gains, boosted by favorable campaign conditions that pushed up prices for staples such as artichokes and citrus. Fresh vegetables and greens rose 34% in March to 77.9 million euros, while fruits added 57.3 million euros, an increase of 25.9%, and other produce contributed 27.7 million euros, up 48.4%.
In total, the agriculture-food sector has accumulated 532 million euros in shipments abroad, with the first quarter 2025 value running 15.5% higher than the same period in 2024.
Among the other sectors posting strong results, plastic products reached 46.8 million euros in March, up 26.9%, and have surpassed 123 million euros for the first quarter, with an 18% rise year to date.
An artichoke field in Vega Baja. (Photo by Axel Alvarez)
In the machinery segment, manufacturers saw exports of machine tools reach 22.2 million euros, a 49% year-on-year increase, while electrical equipment and related machinery climbed to 17.5 million euros, also up 49%. Ceramic materials such as tiles and porcelain rose 88% in March to 9.2 million euros, contributing to a quarterly balance that increased 61.3% over 2024 to 23.7 million euros.
Sales of furniture similarly advanced in March, rising 27% to 14.2 million euros, with the first three months of the year showing a 6.9% gain to 34.4 million euros.
A shoe factory in Elche. (Photo by Matias Segarra)
Looking at footwear, the sector continues to be a primary export driver for the province, though March data show a modest increase after February. Shipments reached 140.5 million euros in March, up 2.8%. The year-to-date total stands at 397 million euros, an 8.9% rise, supported by solid performance in January and ongoing demand from key markets.
However, analysts note a cooling in consumer demand could weigh on the sector if the downturn broadens. Industry leaders emphasize that fashion products remain more resilient than others, suggesting diversification and value-focused offerings could cushion any slower months ahead.
Within the broader export mix, aluminum-related products showed a clear downturn, falling 21% to 28 million euros in March. This drop deepened a downward trend observed in prior months, reflecting softer metal prices on international markets and a knock-on effect on goods manufactured with aluminum components.
Overall, the Alicante export landscape points to a quarter characterized by resilience across agriculture, plastics, machinery, and footwear, with continued attention to price dynamics, foreign demand, and currency movements that shape quarterly results.
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Export activity in machinery and electrical equipment contributed notably to the March performance, with machine-tool exports at 22.2 million and electrical gear at 17.5 million euros, both up around 49%. Ceramic materials also shone, pushing tiles and porcelain exports to 9.2 million euros in March, and the quarterly balance extended a robust year-over-year improvement to 23.7 million euros.
Furniture sales reinforced the positive trend, rising 27% in March to 14.2 million euros, and posting a 6.9% advance to 34.4 million euros for the first quarter of the year.
A shoe factory in Elche. (Photo by Matias Segarra)
On the footwear front, the sector continues to send strong signals about its export trajectory, even as March results show only a marginal gain. Shoes shipments reached 140.5 million euros in March, with a year-to-date total of 397 million euros and an 8.9% increase. This performance benefits from a combination of steady demand and strategic pricing in key markets.
Industry observers note that the current slowdown in consumer spending could pose challenges. Nevertheless, the shoe sector and related manufacturing groups remain cautiously optimistic, anticipating that demand patterns will stabilize as inflation cools and supply chains adjust.
Among the negative mechanical trends, aluminum-based products carried a stronger drag, reflecting lower prices for this metal on global markets and a consequent impact on the prices and volumes of aluminum-based goods. Still, the region’s exporters continue to pursue diversification, seeking opportunities in complementary product lines and higher-value segments to sustain momentum through the year.