Madrid leaves Catalonia behind: its GDP is now 17.2 billion higher
In recent years, Madrid has grown more strongly than Catalonia, consolidating and expanding its leadership as the first regional economy. In 2025 it grew by 2.7% compared to 2.5% of Catalan GDP.
Madrid has pulled ahead of Catalonia, with its GDP now 17.2 billion euros higher, according to recent figures. This widening gap reflects Madrid's economic growth and Catalonia's economic challenges since 2017, when Catalonia lost its position as Spain's leader in GDP. Madrid's GDP grew by 2.7% in 2025, compared to 2.5% in Catalonia, leading to a 5.3% gap between the two regions.
Madrid now accounts for 20% of Spain's GDP, up from 19.95% in 2016, while Catalonia's share has dropped to 18.9%. The economic disparity is attributed to factors like business exodus following Catalonia's 2017 referendum, higher taxes, and Madrid's more attractive business environment with progressive tax relief, reduced bureaucracy, and support for local businesses.
Despite overall Spanish economic growth over the past five years, Catalonia remains lagging behind Madrid and the EU average in terms of GDP per capita.
Written by urgent.news from Expansion ES's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
