Publication CEPYME500 2017

#MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SECTOR
ANTÓN VALERO
PRESIDENT OF FEIQUE
“The chemical industry needs
better infrastructure, a stable
regulatory and fiscal framework,
and greater investment in R&D&I”
How has the sector evolved over the past year?
The chemical industry continues to consolidate its position as one of the
key sectors of the Spanish economy. Its more than 3,000 companies,
with a combined turnover of 59 billion euros in 2016, generate 12.6% of
the gross industrial product and more than 540,000 direct, indirect and
induced jobs.
In the foreign markets, which already account for 55% of the turnover, the
volume of exports reached 32.5 billion euros, maintaining its position as
the second largest exporting sector of the Spanish economy (according
to the National Classification of Economic Activity, CNAE). Compared
to the 2007-2016 period, exports have recorded a cumulative growth
of more than 40%, and more importantly, the sector has improved its
position in all international markets outside the EU. They now account for
41% of exports compared to 29% in the year 2000. Proof of this is the fact
that the Spanish chemical industry currently exports to more than 200
countries and associated states.
Regarding performance in 2017, productive growth has increased by
more than 2.5% in the first five months and the forecast of the sector is to
continue in this line. The outlook is also positive for the full year, estimating
a moderate growth in turnover as long as industrial prices do so at
the same rate.
In general terms, the present economic situation in Spain, together with
the expected growth for the coming years (among the highest of the
Eurozone), allow us to contemplate positive prospects for the sector,
subject to the price of oil remaining close to current levels.
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