Despite everything, the Valencia Community industry, including the Alicante province, is seen as growing even in a very negative context. The region is performing well above the national average, with production in the first half rising by 8.2 percent compared with 6.4 percent for the country as a whole. Manufacturers have important roles beyond the strong automotive sector and its components. Alicante’s industrial sectors highlight resilience, yet they also warn that the environment is becoming increasingly complex.
In a climate marked by rising inflation and global uncertainty driven by the war in Ukraine, it is striking that industry keeps a steady growth streak. The Industrial Production Index published by the National Statistics Institute shows an improvement driven by a 10.5 percent rise in capital goods production, which significantly affected the construction sector. The Foia de Castalla area and related manufacturing activities draw a strong presence in the Alicante region.
When looking at business lines, there was a 26 percent increase in motor vehicle manufacturing, 22.8 percent in coke production and refining, 16.9 percent in clothing manufacture, 15.9 percent in electricity supply, and 11.3 percent in graphic arts, with the shoe industry up 11.1 percent. On the flip side, metallurgy declined by 10 percent, mineral extraction activities by 6.5 percent, electrical materials and equipment manufacturing by 2.2 percent, machinery by 2.1 percent, and overall industry by 0.5 percent.
During this first period, only three autonomous communities reduced their industrial output: La Rioja by 4.7 percent, Cantabria by 3.4 percent and Castilla y Leon by 2.2 percent. The Balearic Islands and, to a lesser extent, Castilla-La Mancha with 14.6 percent and Aragón with 12.5 percent, led the gains.
In monthly terms, industrial production rose by one point compared with the previous month, marking the third consecutive month of growth and an increase of 1.1 percent from May.
Regarding these industrial production indices, Salvador Navarro, president of the Valencian Community Confederation of Business, noted that the data points to a potential recession after the summer but, for the moment, remains positive. He highlighted that Alicante has many export-oriented sectors that help navigate the increasingly challenging context.
The sector increased its sales by 31.7 percent thanks to energy and chains with 16-month increases
Marian Cano, president of the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association, emphasizes that the industry has prioritized relocation over time. This strategy has contributed to stronger performance and more sustainable supply chains. Yet she cautions that shoes continue to face supply challenges and that inflation and energy costs keep pressuring competitiveness.
Luis Rodriguez, president of the Alicante Metal Entrepreneurs Federation, commends the sector’s resilience. He notes that with sustained support and assistance, competitiveness will continue to shine. Pepe Serna, president of the Valencian Textile Entrepreneurs Association, also underscores the sector’s capacity, while urging prudence about the pace of growth and what may come next.