Pla de Lleida tops regional growth rankings

The Pla de Lleida comarques led economic growth in Catalonia in 2025, with gross value added (VAB) rising 3.7%, according to the BBVA Comarcal Economic Yearbook 2026. This outpaced the regional average of 3% and placed the inland area ahead of Barcelona’s metropolitan region (3.1%) and Girona’s corridor (2.9%). The growth was driven primarily by a resurgence in the primary sector, which expanded by 13.6% following several difficult years marked by drought. Construction also contributed significantly, rising 7.6%, while services grew 3% and industry increased at a more moderate 0.9%.

Catalan economy maintains expansion

Catalonia’s GDP grew by 2.7% in 2025, down from 3.9% in 2024 but still reflecting continued post-pandemic expansion. The VAB increased by 3%, supported by strong domestic demand, which advanced 4.1% due to both private and public investment as well as increased consumer spending. A key factor in sustaining demand was the influx of foreign workers entering the labour market, helping to offset declining native population growth. Low interest rates set by the European Central Bank also supported investment throughout the year.

Uneven recovery across regions

While the Pla de Lleida led the way, other inland areas also outperformed the regional average. Noguera recorded the highest growth at 5.1%, followed by Solsonès (4.5%) and the Segrià, Pla d’Urgell, and Urgell comarques (each at 3.7%). Pallars Jussà (3.4%) and Alta Ribagorça (3.3%) also exceeded the regional average. In contrast, Terres de l’Ebre (1.3%) and mountain regions (2.0%) saw slower growth, partly due to weaker performance in chemical industries and energy generation.

Shift towards high-value services

The BBVA study notes a gradual shift in Catalonia’s economic model towards productive, high-value services such as communications, transport, professional services, finance, insurance, and research. These sectors continue to drive overall economic activity, even as regional growth patterns shift towards inland areas. The Anuario Económico Comarcal 2026 was presented in Barcelona by Josep Oliver, emeritus professor at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and director of the report, and José Ballester, territorial director of BBVA in Catalonia.

Reported by lamanyana.cat, anuaricomarcal.cat, palco23.mundodeportivo.com, lavanguardia.com, diariodeinformes.com, viaempresa.cat, cronicaglobal.cat, diaridetarragona.com, segre.com, europapress.es.