Aeronautical and space navigation instruments market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for aeronautical and space navigation instruments saw its value increase from USD 11.2 million in 2018 to USD 12.7 million in 2019, even as physical production volume edged down from 142.7 thousand units to 138.9 thousand units. This shift toward higher-value output was underpinned by the passage of the 'Space Law' in 2018, which created a new legal framework for the sector, and the establishment of the Portugal Space agency in March 2019. Concurrently, a EUR 32 million investment by French firm Lauak in Setúbal for next-generation aeronautical component production and OGMA's consolidation as a top‑10 European MRO reinforced the country's capabilities in advanced manufacturing and maintenance.

Market volume contracted sharply to 77.3 thousand units in 2021 but rebounded to 100.6 thousand units by 2023. The recovery was fueled by several concrete projects: a partnership between German space company RFA and Portuguese engineering center CEiiA to develop launch‑vehicle systems, the inauguration of a new Airbus Atlantic facility in Santo Tirso in 2022, and the 2023 launch of the PoSAT‑2 micro‑satellite by Lusospace aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. Additionally, the commissioning of the LeoLabs space‑radar station on Santa Maria Island expanded low‑Earth‑orbit tracking operations, directly boosting demand for navigation instruments.

Throughout the period, Portugal's aerospace cluster expanded to over 150 companies, supported by the Portugal Space 2030 strategy and increased investment from multinationals such as Airbus and Lufthansa. These developments fostered employment growth and drove high‑technology exports, including navigation equipment, to a record EUR 4 billion in 2023.

Production aeronautical and space navigation instruments in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's output of aeronautical and space navigation instruments was valued at 5 298 K $ US, marking a 5.8% decline from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 14.9%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

In 2021, Portugal produced 83.4 K units of aeronautical and space navigation instruments, a slight decrease of 2.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production dropped by 41.6%, averaging an annualized decline of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports aeronautical and space navigation instruments from Portugal

Exports in kind, unit

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2019 at 65.0 units and a peak in 2021 at 6 094.1 units—a 94-fold difference. In 2021, Portugal's exports of aeronautical and space navigation instruments reached 6 094.1 units, a sharp increase of 3,693.8% from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 80.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, the main buyers of aeronautical and space navigation instruments from Portugal in kind were the United Kingdom (32.3% of exports), Spain (24.6% of exports), and the United States (15.4% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 72.3% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's exports of aeronautical and space navigation instruments totaled 3 477 K $ US, a 41.1% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 25.6%, with an annualized rate of 7.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 465 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 4 049 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 39.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 46.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

The structure of exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 indicates a diversified set of partners. The United Kingdom (24.5% of exports), Italy (11.8% of exports), and France (11.6% of exports) together accounted for 47.9% of total flows, with the remaining 52.1% spread across numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports aeronautical and space navigation instruments to Portugal

Imports in kind, unit

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Imports reached their lowest point in 2021 at 62.0 units, after hitting a maximum in 2018—a swing of 5.1 times. In 2021, Portugal's imports of aeronautical and space navigation instruments totaled 62.0 units, a drop of 39.8% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 72.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, the leading sources for imports in kind of aeronautical and space navigation instruments to Portugal were the United States (44.6% of imports), the United Kingdom (25.6% of imports), and Spain (12.2% of imports). These three countries jointly represented 82.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 at 10 869 K $ US and fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 4 145 K $ US—a difference of 2.6 times. In 2021, Portugal's imports of aeronautical and space navigation instruments amounted to 5 455 K $ US, a steep advance of 31.6% compared to 2020. The largest decline was in 2020 at 61.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 40.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom (39.4% of imports), the United States (31.4% of imports), and Italy (13.6% of imports) stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms, together accounting for 84.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021