Spanish economy grew 2.8 percent in 2025

MADRID, Jan 30 (AFP) : Spain's economy grew 2.8 percent last year, fuelled by strong consumer demand, rising exports and a robust tourism sector, according to a preliminary estimate Friday by the national statistics institute (INE).

While down from a 3.5 percent GDP increase in 2024 and just below the government's forecast for growth of 2.9 percent, Spanish growth was more than twice the average expected in the entire eurozone. "Right now, Spain is helping power Europe's growth," Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said in an interview with Spanish public television after the figure was announced.

Spain, the European Union's fourth-largest economy, has outperformed its peers since 2021, supported by low energy costs, domestic consumption and a rebound in tourism since the end of the Covid pandemic.

The country hosted 97 million foreign visitors last year, continuing a three- year streak of record-breaking arrivals.