The province of Huelva has recorded exports worth 3.585 billion euros between January and May 2026, a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year, making it the second largest exporting province in Andalusia.
The external sector in Huelva continues to break records. According to data provided by the IDEA Agency, dependent on the Junta de Andalucía, Huelva has exported goods worth 3.585 billion euros during the first five months of 2026. This figure represents an increase of 7.9% compared to the same period last year and consolidates the province as the second largest exporter in the autonomous community, only behind Seville.
The weight of Huelva in the total exports of Andalusia now reaches 19%, a percentage that has been increasing in recent years. In 2019, the province contributed 16% of the external sales of Andalusia, and the advance to nearly 20% reflects the strength of its strategic sectors. This growth occurs despite a trade deficit that places the coverage rate at 74%, with imports totaling 4.879 billion euros, resulting in a negative balance of 1.294 billion.
Fresh fruits continue to be the main export category, with 1.301 billion euros and a slight growth of 0.3%. This sector, which surpassed 1.400 billion in red fruits in 2025, shows a maturity that keeps it as the flagship of the Huelva economy. However, the most striking dynamism is seen in metal ores, slags, and ashes, whose sales abroad have surged by 68%, reaching 875 million euros.
The most spectacular growth is in organic chemicals, which have multiplied their exports by 27, with an increase of 2,726%. This figure reflects an industrial diversification that goes beyond the traditional agro-food-mining duo. On the opposite side, copper and its manufactures have recorded a decline of 32%, indicating a restructuring of Huelva's export supply.
As for destinations, China has become the main client of the province, with purchases worth 801 million euros, 85% more than in the same period of 2025. The Chinese demand for minerals explains this strong pull. It is followed by Germany (376 million, 8.1% less), Portugal (330 million, +15%) and Italy (290 million, −1.2%). Europe remains the natural partner, although with slight declines in some traditional markets.
The United States, with 120 million and an increase of 9.8%, along with markets like Sweden (+27%) and Belgium (+6.5%), demonstrate that Huelva's commercial network extends beyond the major buyers. In just five months, Huelva has managed to sell to 10 countries above 100 million euros, evidencing the breadth and competitiveness of its offer.
For the business fabric of the province, these figures translate into employment and stability. Regular exporting companies now total 441, and one in three participated in 2025 in promotional actions of Andalucía TRADE, the public agency that offers advice, trade missions, and up to 11.5 million euros in incentives until 2027, co-financed with European funds. This connectivity explains why sectors such as red fruits, copper, or chemicals are not just statistics, but income engines in municipalities like the capital, Lepe, or Moguer.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, forecasts indicate that the positive trend will continue, although the evolution of fuel prices and Chinese demand for minerals will be determining factors. The Ministry of Economy of the Junta de Andalucía is working to continue expanding the export base, especially among SMEs, and to strengthen diversification towards markets such as North America or Southeast Asia. Huelva is already the second largest exporting province in Andalusia; the goal is to compete for leadership in high value-added categories in the coming years.
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