Impact of the war on Lleida's exports
The recent escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran has put more than 40 companies in Lleida in a critical situation, as they heavily depend on their exports to the region. According to a report presented by the Cambra de Comerç, the total value of these exports amounts to €153 million, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
The president of the Cambra, Jaume Saltó, has expressed his concern for the forage sector, which allocates approximately 80% of its production to markets affected by the conflict. This sector cannot redirect its products to other markets due to the high associated costs. Saltó warns that the imminent entry into production could generate logistical problems and a potential drop in prices.
Despite the adverse context, Lleida remains the only Catalan province with a positive trade balance, reaching a surplus of €960 million. However, total exports have experienced their first decline since 2014, falling by 1.53%, raising questions about the sustainability of local economic growth.
Experts attribute this decline primarily to the drop in olive oil prices. In 2025, exports of this product reached 69,683 tonnes, but its value plummeted by 41%, severely affecting overall revenues. The combination of poor harvests and fluctuating international prices has further complicated the situation for local producers.
Not all news is bad; some sectors have shown positive results. Fruit leads Lleida's exports with a total value of €514 million, thanks to a significant increase in international prices. This growth has compensated for more than 75% of the decline recorded in oil.
Lleida has also seen a notable increase in its sales to Poland and France, although the latter has witnessed the largest decline due to falling oil values. Exports to the United States have also suffered a significant drop, falling by 35.32% due to tariffs imposed on key products.
As international events unfold and geopolitical tensions intensify, the economic future for these Lleida companies appears uncertain. The Cambra continues to monitor the situation while seeking strategies to mitigate the negative impact on the most vulnerable sectors.
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