Motor vehicle seats market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish motor vehicle seats market reached 14 835 thousand units in 2018, supported by vehicle production and growing demand for advanced seating technologies, particularly in electric and luxury vehicles. Market volume then declined to 11 772 thousand units in 2019 and fell sharply to 7 273 thousand units in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted car sales and fleet renewal in Spain.

A structural recovery followed the pandemic, with the market volume rising to 10 961 thousand units in 2021. Growth continued into 2022, reaching 14 298 thousand units, driven by the launch of the Brose Sitech joint venture for seat production in Spain and the expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing, which increased demand for lightweight and ergonomic seating solutions.

In the subsequent years, industry focus remained on innovation and sustainability, with factors such as the integration of advanced ADAS sensors in seats, the use of eco-friendly materials reaching 28% adoption, and closer collaboration between seat manufacturers and automakers to meet specific design and safety needs.

Production motor vehicle seats in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's motor vehicle seat production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 416 million US dollars, marking a significant 14.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 15.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 5.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 729 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 3.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In 2020, Spain produced 8 020 thousand units of motor vehicle seats, a 10.0% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 8.6%, translating to an annual decline of 3.0%. The peak was in 2019 with 8 915 thousand units, which also experienced the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

Exports motor vehicle seats from Spain

Exports in kind, K unit

Export performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2018 at 4.7 thousand units, with the largest decline of 96.6% that year. Exports then surged dramatically, reaching a peak in 2020 at 746.6 thousand units—a 280.8% increase from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 4,091.8%, creating a 160-fold difference between the 2018 low and 2020 high.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's motor vehicle seat exports were relatively diversified. Germany accounted for 29.4% of exports in volume, Portugal for 12.6%, and the United Kingdom for 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 49.7% of total export 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, K $ US

Spain's motor vehicle seat exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 55 144 thousand US dollars, a 9.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6.3%, with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The highest value was in 2018 at 63 788 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 23.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Portugal, and France were the top destinations for Spain's motor vehicle seat exports by value. Germany led with 33.0%, followed by Portugal at 11.3%, and France at 6.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 51.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports motor vehicle seats to Spain

Imports in kind, K unit

Import levels exhibited irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The highest point was in 2018 at 6 293.3 thousand units, which also saw the largest increase of 2,238.4%. By 2020, imports had dropped significantly, with data unavailable for that year. The fluctuation between 2018 and 2020 showed a substantial variation in import volumes.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United States, and Portugal were the main sources for Spain's motor vehicle seat imports by volume. Germany contributed 30.8%, the United States 21.4%, and Portugal 16.6%. Together, these three countries made up 68.9% 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, K $ US

After rising for two years, Spain's motor vehicle seat imports declined. In 2020, imports stood at 49 541 thousand US dollars, a sharp 35.4% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.7%, with an annual decline rate of 8.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 76 742 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 18.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, the United States, and Portugal remained the leading sources for Spain's motor vehicle seat imports by value. Germany accounted for 27.4%, the United States for 20.4%, and Portugal for 14.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 62.1% of total import value.

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

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