El road freight transport in Spain has closed 2024 with a growth of 2,64%, reaching a total of 1.644,5 billion tons transported. This increase has been marked especially by the strong rebound in the last quarter of the year, where the volume transported has grown by 5,36% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the permanent survey of the Ministry of Transport.
One of the key factors in this growth has been the increase in international traffic, which has rebounded after a third quarter of stagnation.
International transport drives sector growth
Tons transported in international traffic have increased a 4,98% throughout 2024, reaching 95 billion tonsThis figure almost matches the historical record registered in 2022.
The performance has been positive in the main areas of foreign trade:
- Imports: 35 million tonnes (+3,26%).
- Exports: 47,5 million tonnes (+9,49%).
- Traffic between third countries: 11,5 million tonnes (-6,12%).
On last quarter of 2024, International transport growth has been 21,66%, highlighting especially the increase in the imports (+23,72%) y exports (+19,49%)There has also been a notable rebound in the Traffic between third countries (+23,43%).
National transport is also growing, but at a slower pace
El transport of goods in national territory has recorded a growth of 2,5% in 2024, with 1.549 million tons transportedAlthough this figure is higher than in recent years, it still does not reach the volumes prior to the 2008 crisis.
Growth has been especially notable in the last trimestera 4,52% increaseHowever, there is a difference between the different types of transport:
- Long distance (interregional) traffic have grown significantly.
- Last mile transport (within the same municipality) has registered a fall.
Price drop in the last quarter
Despite the increase in demand in the last quarter of 2024, Transport prices have fallen by 0,73% compared to the same period in 2023. However, in the total year, the price of transport has increased by around 1%.
Conclusion
Road transport in Spain has closed 2024 with solid growth, driven especially by the recovery of international traffic and the upturn in demand for longer distances. Despite a slight drop in prices in the last quarter, the sector is showing positive developments for 2025.
