Trade relations between China and Spain have seen growth in recent years, evolving into a dynamic partnership driven by industrial and technological collaboration.

Bilateral trade in goods exceeded $55 billion in 2025, growing 9.8 percent year-on-year. China remains Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union. This economic relationship is characterized by strong complementarity.

According to an article published on people.com.cn, Spain's exports to China are primarily premium agricultural products, high-end food items and automotive parts. Products such as olive oil, ham and wine have gained popularity in the Chinese market due to their exceptional quality.

Meanwhile, China's exports to Spain feature electromechanical products, new energy equipment and electronic devices. Green manufacturing products, including photovoltaic modules, power batteries and new energy vehicles, have become critical to supporting Spain's energy transition efforts.

Spain's strategic location as a logistics hub enhances its role as a distribution point for Chinese products destined for Southern Europe and North Africa. Conversely, China's vast market provides an important platform for Spanish businesses aiming to expand across Asia. Both countries have strengthened their cooperation in logistics, infrastructure and cross-border e-commerce.

Businesses in China and Spain are leveraging this dynamic partnership to foster mutual growth. Spanish food and agricultural products such as Betis olive oil and Iberian ham are gaining traction in China's mid-to-high-end market. Spanish fashion brands including Mango and Zara have tailored their operations to align with the preferences of Chinese consumers. Spanish manufacturers such as car parts supplier Gestamp and bathroom products provider Roca Group have integrated into China's supply chain. Wellness brands including 180 The Concept are expanding through localized research and targeted retail strategies.

At the same time, Chinese brands are making a push into the Spanish market. Automotive companies such as BYD, Chery and CATL are rapidly capturing market share with their new energy technologies and competitive pricing. Chery has even joined forces with a Spanish automaker to establish a joint factory, driving both sales growth and local job creation.

E-commerce platforms including Alibaba and Shein have become key channels for Spanish consumers buying Chinese goods. Creative cultural products, such as hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), guochao (China-chic) beauty products and Chinese tea, are capturing growing interest among young people in Spain.

In an article published on the news portal Shanghai Observer, Zhou Qiujun, an associate professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, noted that technological innovation and collaborative industry chain upgrades have become focal points in the China-Spain partnership. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's recent visit to China underscores joint efforts in areas including the digital economy, new energy and biopharmaceuticals.

According to Zhou, Spain is keen to strengthen its foothold in the Chinese market, especially in high-value-added sectors such as food, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, while also seeking to attract Chinese investments that enhance value creation, generate local employment and bolster its industry chain.

Zhou highlighted Spain's competitive strengths in high-end manufacturing, agricultural technology and tourism, as well as its strategic position as a gateway to Latin America. These make the country an essential partner for China. She noted that deeper collaboration with Spain supports the expansion of Chinese technologies, standards and products across Europe and the Spanish-speaking world.