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The twenty imports Spain is best placed to replace.

Spain imported USD 349bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 319bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 16bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
234products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
2109products Spain already exports well
2520product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Spain already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Spain would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Spain does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Insulated electric conductors: ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a kind used in vehicles, aircraft or shipsHS 854430

    Comes fromMorocco 79%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical static converters (exports USD 1.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 870m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 1.2bn
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 2.8bn, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1); Morocco supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 2.8bnup 40% on 2022
  2. 2

    Ferrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204HS 720449

    Comes fromFrance 56%, 39 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or non-alloy steel: I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or... (exports USD 747m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 210m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 294m
    Countries that export it well67

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 706m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); France supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 706mdown 0% on 2022
  3. 3

    Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterHS 170199

    Comes fromFrance 49%, 56 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white... (exports USD 942m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 82m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 154m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 700m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); France supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 700mup 35% on 2022
  4. 4

    Shirts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620520

    Comes fromMorocco 22%, 107 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or... (exports USD 1.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 148m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 78m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 416m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2).

    USD 416mup 4% on 2022
  5. 5

    Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubberHS 401693

    Comes fromMorocco 48%, 98 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including... (exports USD 1.6bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 214m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 31m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 366m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1); Morocco supplies 48 per cent (1).

    USD 366mup 83% on 2022
  6. 6

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310210

    Comes fromEgypt 49%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFertilizers, mineral or chemical: n.e.c. in heading no. 3105 (exports USD 345m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 68m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 64m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 339m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Egypt supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 339mdown 51% on 2022
  7. 7

    Tobacco: smoking, other than water pipe tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportionHS 240319

    Comes fromGermany 44%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCigars, cheroots and cigarillos: containing tobacco including the... (exports USD 125m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 42m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 333m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); Germany supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 333mup 23% on 2022
  8. 8

    Shirts: men's or boys', of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610510

    Comes fromBangladesh 31%, 95 source countries
    Nearest export strengthT-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted (exports USD 837m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 61m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 80m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 267m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2).

    USD 267mup 3% on 2022
  9. 9

    Helicopters, except unmanned: of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kgHS 880211

    Comes fromGermany 97%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight... (exports USD 3.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 12m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 93m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 127m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); Germany supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 127mup 322% on 2022
  10. 10

    Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboardHS 470710

    Comes fromFrance 91%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWood pulp: chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than... (exports USD 569m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 82m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 54m
    Countries that export it well51

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 122m, top 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1); France supplies 91 per cent (2).

    USD 122mup 9% on 2022
  11. 11

    Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690

    Comes fromGermany 20%, 138 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEthylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin... (exports USD 816m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.2bn; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 128m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.6bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 1.6bnup 12% on 2022
  12. 12

    Aluminium: unwrought, alloysHS 760120

    Comes fromNetherlands 33%, 49 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: alloys, bars, rods and profiles, other than hollow (exports USD 867m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 690m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 474m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.6bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1).

    USD 1.6bndown 21% on 2022
  13. 13

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than...HS 853710

    Comes fromGermany 24%, 105 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical static converters (exports USD 1.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 983m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.5bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 1.5bnup 5% on 2022
  14. 14

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromPoland 39%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCigars, cheroots and cigarillos: containing tobacco including the... (exports USD 125m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 57m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.1bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1).

    USD 1.1bndown 9% on 2022
  15. 15

    Seats: parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the ministerHS 940199

    Comes fromMorocco 38%, 67 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFurniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom use (exports USD 526m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 302m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 828m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 983m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1).

    USD 983mup 2% on 2022
  16. 16

    Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999

    Comes fromGermany 30%, 111 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEngines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the... (exports USD 1.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 549m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 630m
    Countries that export it well28

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 737m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1).

    USD 737mup 11% on 2022
  17. 17

    Cocoa beans: whole or broken, raw or roastedHS 180100

    Comes fromIvory Coast 28%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCocoa: powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter (exports USD 332m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well25

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 564m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1).

    USD 564mup 156% on 2022
  18. 18

    Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: n.e.c. in chapter 18HS 180690

    Comes fromItaly 27%, 79 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCocoa: powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter (exports USD 332m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 300m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 121m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 482m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1).

    USD 482mup 22% on 2022
  19. 19

    Coats: men's or boys', overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks (including ski-jackets) and similar...HS 620140

    Comes fromChina 28%, 99 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or... (exports USD 1.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 204m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 26m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 417m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 417mdown 15% on 2022
  20. 20

    Plastics: of polymers of propylene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not...HS 392020

    Comes fromPortugal 32%, 58 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEthylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin... (exports USD 816m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 180m; 9 more lines in the heading, USD 619m
    Countries that export it well36

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 417m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Spain's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1).

    USD 417mdown 21% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Spain already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted imports USD 1.7bn, exports USD 837m, top source Bangladesh 40%
  • Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of... imports USD 2.3bn, exports USD 1.4bn, top source Germany 29%
  • Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereof imports USD 2.3bn, exports USD 1.6bn, top source Germany 39%
  • Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated)... imports USD 1.3bn, exports USD 597m, top source Vietnam 20%
  • Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or... imports USD 1.4bn, exports USD 769m, top source Germany 41%
  • Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of... imports USD 1.2bn, exports USD 595m, top source Bangladesh 32%
  • Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made... imports USD 1.3bn, exports USD 805m, top source China 41%
  • Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition... imports USD 1.5bn, exports USD 1.0bn, top source Belgium 29%
  • T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of textile materials (other than cotton)... imports USD 751m, exports USD 268m, top source Turkey 17%
  • Footwear: (other than sportswear), with outer soles of rubber or plastics and... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 619m, top source China 38%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 2520 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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