Spain’s Trade with Israel Rose in First Half of 2024, Despite Import Dip
Madrid, [Current Date] - Spanish exports to Israel increased by 2.5% in the first half of 2024, reaching €866.7 million, representing 1.8% of Spain’s total exports. Simultaneously, imports from Israel decreased by 6.6% to €466 million, according to data from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
This divergence resulted in a positive trade balance of €400.8 million for Spain, a €54.6 million increase compared to the same period in 2023 (€346.2 million).
The export figures reveal Spain primarily shipped semi-manufactured goods (€314.6 million), machinery and equipment (€184.9 million), food, beverages, and tobacco (€150.2 million), and automotive components (€112.4 million) to Israel. Key exported products included tractors (€134.92 million), ceramic products (€82.31 million), electrical appliances and materials (€32.75 million),and pharmaceutical products (€31.25 million).
Imports from Israel were largely comprised of semi-manufactured goods (€214.53 million) and machinery and equipment (€138.04 million). Specific imported goods included mechanical machines and devices (€61.27 million), plastic manufactures (€57.74 million), organic chemicals (€51.6 million),optical and medical devices (€44.2 million), inorganic chemicals (€41.68 million), electrical appliances and materials (€35.32 million), and other chemical products (€31.68 million).
Regionally, Catalonia led Spanish exports to Israel, accounting for 33.86% of the total with €293.55 million in products. The Valencian Community (€155.3 million) and the Basque Country (€71.84 million) followed as important exporters.
In terms of imports, Madrid was the largest recipient of Israeli goods (€134.6 million), followed by Catalonia (€120.7 million) and Andalusia (€65.08 million). madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, and the Canary Islands were the only Spanish autonomous communities to register a negative trade balance with Israel.
Note: I have replaced “[current Date]” as the article did not include the current date. I have also slightly reworded some phrases for clarity and flow while maintaining all original facts and figures.
