Insulated wire and optical fibre cables market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for insulated wire and optical fibre cables expanded substantially in physical volume from 227 thousand tons in 2018 to 365 thousand tons in 2020. This growth occurred despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced production and supply chain challenges across the cable industry.

In the following years, market dynamics were shaped by several key factors. Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan accelerated investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and digitalization, boosting demand for cables. Simultaneously, the enactment of Law 7/2022 on waste and a new tax on non-reusable plastics raised production costs for manufacturers. The Russia-Ukraine conflict further exacerbated an energy crisis in Europe, increasing electricity prices and affecting cable production. Despite these cost pressures, the cable industry reported strong turnover growth in 2022, driven by inflation pass-through and a revival in tourism activity.

By 2024, the market volume reached 386 thousand tons, valued at 4.7 billion US dollars. The overall expansion from 2018 to 2024 was underpinned by the strategic shift towards electrification, electric mobility, and renewable energy infrastructure, supported by European funds and national policy frameworks.

Production insulated wire and optical fibre cables in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's production of insulated wire and optical fibre cables was valued at 2 697 million US dollars, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.0%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 2 702 million US dollars, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 0.3%. The most significant increase was also recorded in 2018, with a rise of 12.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's production volume of insulated wire and optical fibre cables has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 358.1 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 3.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports insulated wire and optical fibre cables from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's exports of insulated wire and optical fibre cables declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 249.5 thousand tonnes, representing a significant decrease of 12.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 15.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 309.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's exports in kind were distributed across multiple countries without a clear dominant partner. France accounted for 23.4% of exports, Portugal for 10.1%, and Italy for 7.8%, together making up 41.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's cross-border shipments of insulated wire and optical fibre cables in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports registered 2 107 million US dollars, corresponding to a substantial reduction of 10.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.7%, with an annualized rate of decline of 2.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 543 million US dollars, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018 at 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market base for Spain's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad. France accounted for 24.3% of exports, the United Kingdom for 12.2%, and Italy for 8.2%, jointly representing 44.7% of total flows, while the remaining 55.3% was shared among numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports insulated wire and optical fibre cables to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's import volume of insulated wire and optical fibre cables increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 256.3 thousand tonnes, showing little change relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 114%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 28.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco was the leading source for Spain's imports in kind, accounting for 40.2%, followed by China at 10.9% and Portugal at 8.8%. Together, these three countries made up 60.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, Spain's imports of insulated wire and optical fibre cables in value terms declined. In 2020, import volume reached 2 885 million US dollars, representing a modest drop of 10.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.3%, with an annualized rate of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 3 206 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco dominated Spain's imports in value terms, accounting for 60.0%, followed by China at 6.0% and Germany at 4.9%. Their combined share reached 71.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020