In 2026 Spain remains one of the most dynamic economies in the Eurozone. According to European Commission forecasts, Spanish GDP is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2026, versus only about 0.9% expected for the euro area. A significant differential, supported mainly by domestic demand, employment growth and investment, also thanks to projects funded through European funds.
The latest data confirm the strength of the economy: in the second quarter of 2026, Spanish GDP grew by 0.7% compared to the previous quarter and 2.6% on an annual basis. Domestic demand contributed 3.5 percentage points to growth, while investment and consumption continued to increase. For Italian companies, this dynamic is built on an already very strong trade relationship. In 2025, Italian exports to Spain exceeded 38 billion euros, The trade volume grew by 10.6%, while bilateral trade reached over 71 billion.
But geographical and cultural proximity should not mislead: Spain is a mature, competitive and differentiated market, where success depends on the ability to choose. sectors, territories, channels and methods of surveillance. In this article we analyze why the Spanish economy is growing faster than the Eurozone, what opportunities emerge for Italian companies and what strategies to adopt to enter or consolidate their presence in the country.
| Economic Indicator | Spain (2026) | Eurozone Media (2026) | Primary driver |
| Annual GDP growth (CE estimate) | +2,4% | +0,9% | Domestic consumption & PRTR funds |
| GDP growth Q2 (trendline) | +2,6% | +0,6% | Household spending (+1.2%) and investments (+1.7%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 9.9% (historical minimum) | 6,4% | +2.2% full-time employment |
| Export Made in Italy (2025) | >38 Billion € (+10.6%) | N/D | 5th Italian destination market |
The performance of Spain It assumes particular importance when compared to the rest of the euro area.
In the spring forecast for 2026, the European Commission estimates a growth of Spanish GDP of 2,4%, Almost three times the +0,9% Forecast for the Eurozone. For 2027, growth is expected to moderate to 1.9%, but it will still be above the euro area average of 1.2%. Similarly, the’OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) confirms a positive picture, albeit with a slightly more cautious estimate: +2.2% in 2026 and +1.7% in 2027.
| Macroeconomic Parameter | Spain (2026) | Eurozone Media (2026) | Official source |
| Annual GDP Growth | +2,4% (CE estimate) / +2,2% (OECD) | +0,9% | European Commission / OECD |
| Quarterly GDP Growth (Q2) | +0,7% conjunctural (+2,6% trend) | +0.2% cyclical | INE (National Institute of Statistics) |
| Unemployment Rate | 9,9% (in a progressive decline towards 9.6% in 2027) | 6,4% | Eurostat / European Commission |
| Internal Demand Contribution | 3.5 percentage points to growth | Stagnant / Weak | Spanish Ministry of Economy |
Some factors are mainly responsible for this growth.
One of the key elements is consumer spending. The labor market continues to support household incomes, and according to the European Commission, private consumption and investment will represent the main drivers of the economy in 2026.
The official data for the second quarter of the’INE (National Institute of Statistics) This dynamic is confirmed: household final consumption grew by 1.2% compared to the previous quarter, while gross capital formation increased by 1.7%. For an Italian company, this is an important element: dynamic domestic demand tends to support imports as well, creating space for both consumer goods and technologies, machinery and solutions intended for investment.
The implementation of the Spanish National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (Plan of Recovery, Transformation and Resilience – PRTR, Supported by the European program NextGenerationEU with a total allocation of over 163 billion euros in grants and loans), it continues to support public and private investments, particularly in the strategic areas of digitalization, sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, and intangible assets. According to the European Commission, the momentum of these investments and the solid financial situation of non-financial companies should continue to support capital formation even for the entire 2026.
This element is particularly interesting for Italian B2B companies, because it generates demand not only for finished products, but also for:
The European Commission also forecasts a reduction in the Spanish unemployment rate from 10.5% in 2025 to 9.9% in 2026 and at 9.6% in 2027. The level remains high in the European comparison, but the trend is positive.
In the second quarter of 2026, the equivalent full-time employment increased by 2.2% on an annual basis. Employment, real wage growth and demographic dynamics are all contributing to supporting consumption and, consequently, demand for goods and services.
In 2025, bilateral trade exceeded the 71 billion euros, With a growth of 4.2% compared to the previous year. Italian exports exceeded 38 billion, increasing by 10,6%, While the Italian trade balance recorded a surplus exceeding 5 billion.
In the first quarter of 2026, Spain was also the Fifth destination market for Italian exports, With a share of 5.7%. Material prepared by Octagona It highlights that Italian exports have increased from approximately 24.5 billion in 2019 to over 38 billion in 2025. Even the most recent data indicate an even dynamic trade relationship: in June 2026, Italian exports to Spain grew by 11.3% compared to the same month in 2025. 9.4% on an annual basis.
Spain is therefore a mature market for Italian products, but precisely because of this it presents a high level of competition. Germany and France represent very well-established competitors, while numerous Spanish companies have already established local and international suppliers. The real demand is therefore not simply: “Can we sell in Spain?” but rather: “In which segments can we build a competitive advantage over the existing offerings?”
The composition of Italian exports to Spain is very diverse. According to InfoMarkets and Foreign Exchange, In 2025, the main categories were:
Spain also has some specializations in which it depends significantly on Italian imports, including: glasses, furniture and pasta.
There is therefore no single driving sector. It is more correct to speak of four major areas of opportunity, In these, the Italian offer can meet concrete needs of the Spanish market.
Machinery already represents the main category of Italian exports to Spain. The Spanish manufacturing system offers opportunities in sectors such as automotive, food processing, packaging, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, logistics, and energy. For Italian companies, they can be of interest:
In this segment, however, price is rarely the only determining factor. Other factors also play a role. reliability, response times, ability to customize, technical support and after-sales service. Product quality can open the door, but it is often the ability to support the client over time that determines success.
In 2025, pharmaceuticals represented the second largest export item from Italy to Spain. The country also has a developed ecosystem in the healthcare, biotech, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors. Opportunities may arise for Italian companies in:
In these sectors, the main leverage is not only commercial. Compliance, document quality, reliability and continuity of supply They become an integral part of the value proposition. In this type of market, “trust is often sold before the product itself.”.
Digitalization and energy transition represent two other important drivers of the Spanish market. The level of technological adoption in businesses is already significant. In the first quarter of 2025:
In 2024, in addition, the 26.6% of the companies made sales through e-commerce. For Italian companies, this opens up opportunities in the following sectors:
The commercial aspect is particularly important: even in B2B, the Spanish buyer is increasingly important. digital, informed, and able to quickly compare suppliers and alternatives.
Finally, there is the large segment of the premium consumer. The Spanish consumer is familiar with the Made in Italy and presents a high level of familiarity with Italian products in the following sectors:
This notoriety represents an advantage, but it is not enough on its own to guarantee sales. In mature markets like the Spanish one they become decisive:
For a Spanish distributor or retailer, in fact, the value of Made in Italy must translate into marginality, differentiation or ability to attract the consumer.
One of the most common mistakes is to consider Spain as a homogeneous market. It is not. Madrid, Catalonia, Basque Country, Valencia Community and Andalusia They present different economies, production clusters, and distribution networks. The geographical choice should therefore be linked to the sector and the target customer. For example:
The correct question is therefore not necessarily “How to cover all of Spain?”, But “Which area is best to start from?”
The channel also relies heavily on the industry. The main alternatives may include:
For some companies, a national distributor can be effective. For others, it may be necessary to work with regional partners or to complement the distributor with direct sales activities. The selection of the partner should not be based solely on initial interest in representing the product. It is important to evaluate:
Finding a partner does not necessarily mean having found the right partner.
Italy’s reputation certainly represents an advantage. But in a mature and competitive market, it cannot be the only commercial argument. The Spanish buyer considers very concrete elements:
Technology, design, specialization and quality must therefore be translated into a benefit easily understood by the customer. Made in Italy creates interest.
The commercial proposal must explain why that product allows the Spanish customer to sell more, improve efficiency, reduce cost or differentiate yourself from competitors.
The strength of the Spanish market does not eliminate the need for a strategy. On the contrary, precisely because it is a developed and competitive market, selection and method become even more important. Octagona supports Italian companies in the various stages of development in the Spanish market through:
The goal is not simply to generate contacts, but to build relationships. a sustainable and replicable business model over time.
Spain represents one of the positive anomalies of the European economy in 2026. While the European Commission forecasts 0.9% growth for the Eurozone, the Spanish economy is expected to advance by 1.1%. 2,4%, supported by consumption, employment and investment.
The data for the second quarter also confirm an even robust growth, at 2.6% year-on-year. For Italian companies, this scenario is particularly interesting because it builds on already strong trade relations: over 38 billion euros in Italian exports in 2025 and new sales growth to Spain also recorded in 2026.
But the main opportunity also coincides with the main difficulty. Spain is close, known and accessible, But precisely because of this, it is highly competitive. To grow, it is not enough to export the same product with the same approach used in Italy. It is necessary to choose the most promising segments, identify the correct geographic area, build the channel, adapt the offering, and monitor the market.
In other words, Proximity reduces the distance, but it does not replace strategy..
The European Commission forecasts GDP growth of 2.4% in 2026, while the OECD estimates an increase of 2.2%. Both forecasts confirm a growth significantly above the Eurozone average.
The European Commission's spring forecasts indicate growth of 0.9% in 2026.
In 2025, Italian exports to Spain exceeded 38 billion euros, an increase of 10.6% compared to 2024.
The main categories include machinery, pharmaceuticals, electronics, transportation, metal products, textiles and clothing, and chemicals.
Among the most interesting sectors are machinery and automation, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, digital, energy and mobility, as well as premium consumer products such as food, fashion, design and furnishings.
Not necessarily. The choice depends on the industry, the target customers, and the company’s resources. The alternatives include distributors, agents, integrators, direct sales, and local sales presence.
It depends on the sector. Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community and Andalusia present different clusters and opportunities, so it is advisable to select the priority areas before starting the business activity.
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