Exports from Castilla y León reached 9,017 million euros during the first five months of this year, growing by 3.9 percent compared to the same period last year. The performance placed the autonomous community above the national average for Spain, which recorded an overall export growth of 1.3 percent despite international market difficulties.
The figures reflected a continuing economic trend in Castilla y León, where positive indicators also include maintaining more than one million affiliated workers in employment. During the January to May period, the region generated a positive trade balance surplus of 1,982 million euros, contrasting with Spain's overall national trade deficit of 25,094 million euros.
According to sources from the Regional Ministry of Economy and Finance, the growth builds upon a strong 2025 fiscal year in which Castilla y León achieved 20,063 million euros in total foreign sales. Although 2025 marked a slight adjustment of six percent from the historic record set in 2024, the region consolidated a positive trade balance of 3,548 million euros and a coverage rate of 121.5 percent. Regional businesses accounted for 5.2 percent of all Spanish exports in 2025.
Automotive sector performance
The automotive industry reaffirmed its position as the main driver of the regional economy, accounting for approximately half of all export sales. The sector accumulated 2,998.4 million euros through May, representing a 10 percent increase over the previous year.
Exports of cars, auto components, and tires sustained the automotive sector's leadership, with strong demand in key foreign markets such as France.
Among the region's provinces, Valladolid led growth with a 16.1 percent increase, reaching 4,465 million euros in exports. Salamanca followed with a 10.1 percent increase, while Burgos grew by 5.1 percent.
International trade destinations
France consolidated its role as the primary trading partner for Castilla y León, purchasing 2,111.5 million euros in goods through May, an increase of eight percent. Sales to Italy experienced a sharp rise, growing by 41.6 percent during the same period.
Exports to Belgium grew by 35.4 percent, while sales to Turkey increased by 21.7 percent. Significant increases in exports to Belgium and Turkey were driven by shipments of engine parts and fuel elements.
Looking ahead, the regional government, known as the Junta, reaffirmed its commitment to the Fifth Business Internationalization Plan 2022 to 2027. Under the plan, regional authorities aim to reach 8,000 exporting companies and expand sales to markets outside the European Union.
