China Surpasses Germany as Spain’s Top Supplier
Recent figures from the Spanish government indicate that China has surpassed Germany to become Spain’s leading supplier of goods in the early months of 2026.
As reported by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Chinese imports made up 11.6% of Spain’s total imports during the first quarter of the year, slightly edging out Germany’s 11.4%. In financial terms, this means that China exported over 12.5 billion euros worth of goods to Spain.
Historically, the only instance when China took the top spot was in 2022, specifically because a chip shortage caused significant disruptions in Germany’s automotive industry. Eventually, Germany managed to reclaim its position in 2023, stabilizing around the 11% mark.
However, the current shift isn’t tied to a temporary issue like before. Instead, it suggests a more sustained and structural increase in Chinese exports to Spain, noted El Pais. The surge may also be influenced by the growing popularity of affordable Chinese products available through online retailers such as Temu and Shein.
While China’s exports to Spain have been on the rise, the reverse trend tells a different story. Spain’s exports to China have plateaued at roughly 2% annually, positioning China as the 11th largest market for Spanish goods. In 2025, Spain imported around 50.25 billion euros of goods from China, which included machinery, technology, textiles, and vehicles.
Conversely, Spain’s exports to China amounted to just 7.97 billion euros that same year, resulting in a notable trade deficit of 42 billion euros. Key Spanish exports to China included minerals and meat products.
Raymond Torres, who analyzes economic trends at Funcas, shared insights with El Pais, emphasizing that trade with Germany is more balanced compared to that with China. Although Spain imports slightly more from Germany, the interconnectedness benefits sectors such as automotive and aircraft manufacturing. “The Spanish parts sector relies on Germany, allowing for a shared production dynamic,” Torres explained.
In contrast, China supplies products that could be substituted by other suppliers or local production, creating a different trade relationship.
Alicia García Herrero, an economist at Natixis, cautioned against the potential risks associated with China’s growing influence in Spain’s economy, suggesting that increased reliance on China could be detrimental. “This relationship isn’t mutually beneficial,” she argued, noting that both countries are competing in third-party markets, particularly as China continues to provide significant subsidies to its industries, especially automotive.
During a visit to Beijing in April, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the Chinese government under Xi Jinping and suggested that the European Union should view China as a partner. He expressed a commitment to fostering “mutually beneficial” relations between the EU and China, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation.
