It represents 9% of the industry in the CAPV and 24% in Navarra, and employs more than 26,000 people. However, the increase in production in China and the decline in Germany and France, the main countries to which production is exported, create uncertainty.
EITB Data has focused this time on the automotive sector, one of the most important within Hego Euskal Herria’s industrial activity. It represents 24% of the industry’s turnover in Navarre, while in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country this figure is 9%.
In total at Hego Euskal Herria more than The 190 companies employ 26,200 people who are committed to this sector and represent 12.4% of the automotive sector in the state as a whole. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are the best-known companies, but the companies with the highest turnover also include Gestamp, Cie Automotive, TRW Automotive, Irizar and ZF Aftermarket.
In 2024, employment in the sector grew by 2.5% in the Basque Country and by 0.7% in Navarre compared to 2022 data.
More than half of our companies are committed manufacture componentsi.e. parts, accessories, modules, electrical or electronic equipment for motor vehicles. In fact, they assume 53% of employment in the sector in the CAPV and 54% in Navarre.
Many of them work for construction companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, the two main brands that have their factories in Hego Euskal Herria, but also a large part is exported of what they generate.
In fact, a large portion of the concern What the sector has suffered from in recent months is related to sales to other countries. Germany is the most important destination of exports from the Basque automotive sector (32.6% in the CAPV and 27.3% in Navarre). France is in second place and its weight is important in Navarra (20.6%), while in the CAPV it is lower (9.8%).
The sector of The car industry has declined in both countries and production has fallen by 30 and 32% respectively since 2010. In 2023, exports to these two countries in the Basque Country have decreased, albeit very slightly, while sales to the United States have increased, making this country the third largest.
However, the arrival of Donald Trump to the American presidency and his intention to impose new rates are causing concern. To the duties imposed on European products, we must add the 25% tariffs announced on Canadian and Mexican products. The Basque car industry has a significant presence in the latter, where, according to SPRI, 46 Basque companies are based and much of their exports go to the country that Trump will lead.
In the meantime, Chinathat’s the main producing and consuming country of this sector, ranks eighth in the export of the CAPV and represents 3.1% of it. Selling in this country in 2023 they fell compared to 2022.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
