Spain's automotive components industry has once again demonstrated its strength and global influence in 2024, reaching export figures of €25.065 billion — virtually matching the historic record achieved in 2023.

Despite a slowdown in European demand, the sector has maintained its competitiveness and reaffirmed its position as a strategic supplier in over 170 countries.

As one of the leading drivers of Spanish exports, the automotive sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy. The data once again highlights foreign trade as a fundamental growth engine for the industry.

Internationalization continues to be a strategic priority for Spanish suppliers, helping to mitigate risks and balance the decline in some markets with growth opportunities in others. In 2024, exports accounted for 60% of total industry turnover, positioning Spain as the third-largest exporter of automotive components in Europe.

From Autoparts from Spain, the platform supporting the international expansion of Spanish automotive suppliers, this export resilience is seen as the result of sustained efforts in market diversification, technological investment, and a firm commitment to quality. "These figures confirm the high degree of internationalization and adaptability of Spain's automotive suppliers. In a time of technological transformation and mobility challenges, our industry remains a trusted partner for manufacturers and distributors worldwide,"
says Mª Begoña Llamazares, SERNAUTO's Market Manager and spokesperson for the platform.

Once again, the European Union remains the primary destination in 2024 for automotive companent manufactures with exports totaling €16.655 billion (66.3% of the total) — despite a -4.65% drop compared to 2023.

The top 10 export destinations outside the EU in 2024 include the United Kingdom, Morocco, United States, Turkey, Mexico, China, South Africa, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea. Decreased demand in Germany (-9.28%), France (-12.51%), and Italy (-9.16%) was partially offset by growth in Portugal (+8.87%), Poland (+2.71%), Czech Republic (+1.66%), and especially Romania (+55.68%).

Going by country, Germany remains the top Spain's export destination with €3.956 billion a -9,28% internannual decrease, followed by France with €3.842 billion, a -12,5% decrease. In contrast, Portugal saw a strong +8.87% increase, reaching €2.335 billion, while Italy to €1.260 billion a -9,16% decrease.

Other EU countries outstand showing growth include Slovakia (+12.28%), Poland (+2.71%), Czech Republic (+1.66%), and Romania (+55.68%), the latter consolidating its position as a key emerging market.

Outside the EU, the United Kingdom remains the leading non-EU destination, with €1.343 billion in exports (+1.22%). Other major markets include: Morocco  (€1.284 billion, +9.98%), United States (€1.021, billion, +8.24%) and Turkey with outstanding stability (€722.5 million, +20%). Mexico keeps up with a steady growth of +10% with €599.5 million. China reaches €504.2 million with a +9.07% growth, reversing the 2023 downturn.

They can be highlighted exports to Brazil (+30.5%) and South Korea (+47.74%) to market with remarkable performance which strengthen their role for Spanish suppliers in automotive economies with high international projection.

These results confirm a clear strategy of expansion into high-potential industrial and technological markets, where Spanish suppliers are positioning themselves as reliable, innovative, and flexible partners.

With production facilities in five continents and a presence in over 170 countries, the Spanish automotive components sector has solidified its role as a global benchmark for quality, reliability, innovation, and adaptability to a wide range of market requirements.