The global environment is changing the rules of the game. The return of protectionism, with new US tariffs, market fragmentation, and geopolitical uncertainty have created a challenging environment for the export industry. However, industrial companies are not letting themselves be swept away by the apocalyptic vision of macroeconomics. According to the AMEC's 2024 Economic Outlook and 2025 Outlook Report, 76,2% expect growth in 2025, driven by diversification and internationalization adapted to the new rules of global trade.
La exporting of AMEC companies has increased by 5,43% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 2025% in 11,44. "The macroeconomy paints a picture of uncertainty, but AMEC's internationalized industrial companies are demonstrating their great capacity to adapt," he says. Joan Tristany, general director of amec.
Main markets in 2024 and those of greatest interest for 2025
In 2024, France, the United States, and Portugal once again became the main destination markets for exports from companies in the AMEC community. However, the geographical nature of trade continues to consolidate its diversification, with strong growth in regions such as the Maghreb (+7,9%), Asia (+4,5%), and the Middle East (+3,2%). The European Union continues to lead the way with 50,2% of total exports, followed by North America (11,7%) and Latin America (10,5%).
For 2025, AMEC's industrial companies are prioritizing markets with strong dynamism and growth potential. The United States remains a strategic destination, albeit under the shadow of the return of protectionist policies. Mexico, France, India, and Saudi Arabia follow as key markets, with Morocco standing out, making a strong entrance into the top 10 with the largest increase in interested companies.
The difficulties of developing internationalization in 2024
Internationalization remains a challenging path; 94,3% of AMEC companies have faced difficulties developing their business abroad. In 2024, more than half (56,6%) identify market uncertainty and instability as the main obstacle to growth abroad. Added to this is the difficulty of finding suitable partners and customers in an increasingly fragmented and volatile environment.
This year, the difficulty of recruiting talent with international skills becomes even more significant. If this barrier affected 2023% of companies in 25, it will reach 2024% by 32,5.
Talent remains the great challenge for internationalized industrial companies.
The workforce of AMEC companies has grown by 4,02% in 2024, totaling 48.009 professionals. This progress comes despite the growing difficulty in recruiting qualified talent, one of the main obstacles to industrial growth.
"This reality highlights the urgent need to rethink training and attracting talent to the industry," warns Joan Tristany, CEO of amec.
In response, although still in a minority, some companies are beginning to hire professionals in their home markets, something that 9,3% of AMEC companies already do.
This destination map reflects a clear strategy on the part of AMEC's industrialized companies: 55,7% will continue to focus on market diversification in 2025, and 61,4% will also do so with the development of new products.
The strategy of AMEC companies is not limited to exporting more, especially at a time when the multilateral trade model is showing signs of fragmentation. They are also strengthening their presence with establishments abroad to reach customers. Currently, 144 AMEC companies have a direct presence abroad, totaling 702 international locations. The United States accounts for 8,8% of these locations, closely followed by China (8,7%), France (6,6%), and Mexico (6,3%).
“The US is a very important market, but the world doesn't end there. We see strong growth in markets like Morocco and India, which are offering new opportunities to our companies. Even so, the US market remains key: it's difficult to enter, but even more difficult to consolidate. That's why we must ensure that companies that have already taken this path aren't penalized by sudden decisions,” warns Joan Tristany, CEO of amec.
