Spain’s economic growth gained momentum in the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a rise in exports, even as global trade faced headwinds from escalating US tariffs, according to preliminary data released on Tuesday.
The National Statistics Institute (INE) reported that Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.7% between April and June, up from the 0.6% expansion recorded in the first quarter.
This performance outpaced earlier projections by the Bank of Spain, which had anticipated growth between 0.5% and 0.6%.
“Spain is maintaining its strength and continues to establish itself among the most resilient advanced economies,” Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated on social media platform X.
Spain’s economic resilience stands out in the European context. In 2024, the country recorded an impressive 3.2% growth, significantly above the EU average of 1%.
The latest data attributes much of the recent economic boost to export activity, which increased by 1.1% from the previous quarter, showing resilience despite the uncertainty caused by new US trade measures.
In addition to robust exports, the INE highlighted a 2.1% increase in business investment and a 0.8% rise in household spending as further contributors to the improved outlook.
For the full year, the Spanish government expects GDP growth of 2.6%, aligning closely with the International Monetary Fund’s April estimate of 2.5%, which had been revised upward despite global trade tensions.
A new trade deal between the US and the EU, announced on Sunday, sets a base tariff of 15% on European goods entering the US market.
Despite the potential risks, Minister Cuerpo noted in June that the direct impact on Spain should be limited, since only around 5% of Spanish exports are directed to the United States.
