Situation of Alicante’s Exports in 2023
The trend that many expected finally occurred: Alicante’s external sales fell in 2023 for the first time in fourteen years, dragged by a drop in global demand, especially in Europe. The decrease reached 1.3 percent, tapering to 6.978 billion euros, after six straight months of decline. Footwear, toys, and certain metal sectors like aluminum were among the hardest hit. If this pattern continues, it could slow the province’s overall economic growth, according to analysts.
Data published by the Instituto de Comercio Exterior (ICEX) confirm that national exports declined by 1.4 percent to 383.7 billion euros last year, a trend Alicante could not escape. It is true, as happened across Spain, that Spain had peaked in 2022 at 7,067 million euros. Yet this downturn breaks a positive run dating back to 2010, the last year when a yearly decline had occurred.
In late 2023, the outlook deteriorated after a positive first half of the year. From July onward the trajectory reversed and remained negative through December, the latest period for which data are available. In December, Alicante’s provincial exports dropped 3.5 percent to 530 million euros, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline and moving sales abroad into negative territory for the year.
Among sectors, the footwear industry—traditionally a major export driver—suffered an 8.9 percent drop, ending the year with 1,203.3 million euros in shipments. Aluminum and its byproducts, a key intermediate good, plunged by 19.2 percent to 316.6 million. Toys also fell by 14.6 percent, totaling 101.6 million, while stone and plaster manufactures declined by 2.7 percent to 101.6 million.
On the flip side, the agri-food sector showed resilience. Fresh fruitExports rose by 1.4 percent to 652.6 million euros, legumes and vegetables grew by 14.8 percent to 555.7 million, and vegetable and fruit preserves increased 5.7 percent to 310.1 million. Materials plastics and their products grew 4.3 percent to 461.9 million. Vehicle components and cars surged 25.4 percent to 230.3 million, electronic devices and equipment rose 12.2 percent to 216.8 million, and home textile articles climbed 4 percent to 49.7 million.
In terms of imports, Alicante also saw a decline of 6.63 percent, reaching 5.559 billion euros, leaving the province with a positive trade balance of 1.4187 billion euros.
Perceptions from Industry Leaders
What do sector leaders think about the current situation? Marián Cano, president of the Valencian Association of Footwear Entrepreneurs (Avecal), notes that inflation and tighter household budgets are translating into weaker consumer spending. She warns that the coming half-year could remain difficult for the sector.
Jorge Ibáñez, president of the Alicante Metal Entrepreneurs Federation (Fempa), points out that the sector is diverse: some firms perform well while others do not. He emphasizes that the prevailing climate of uncertainty is unhelpful, and he highlights the Gaza conflict as a factor affecting business sentiment.
José Antonio Pastor, director general of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ), says the year’s decline was not as steep as feared, thanks in part to a robust December rebound. Looking ahead, he argues that rising rents and lower birth rates will hamper demand, urging firms to explore new market niches, including products for adults.
Luis Horcajuelo, president of Mármol Alicante, notes that exports directly tied to his sector remained steady. He also voices concern about the Red Sea crisis, which could portend a sluggish start to the year.
From the regional government, a slightly more optimistic note is sounded. Nuria Montes, the minister for Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, highlights that regional exports fell by 4.1 percent to 38.014 billion euros, yet still represent the second-highest figure in the historical series, surpassed only by 2022.
Experts refrain from a pessimistic prognosis, even as they warn of risks if the trend persists. Paloma Taltavull, a professor of Applied Economic Analysis at the University of Alicante, attributes the decline to inflation and stresses balancing wages with prices. She concludes that exports remain the province’s growth engine, but that growth dynamics could slow if the current trajectory holds.
Overall, the year underscored the need for diversification and resilience in Alicante’s export structure. The region’s ability to adapt—by fostering niche markets, improving productivity, and maintaining competitive pricing—will be crucial as global demand continues to evolve.