Spain's Trade and Transport: EU Commerce, Roads, Rail, Sea, Air

Spain's Commerce and the European Union

• Spanish international trade is mainly with other European Union countries.
• This trade is facilitated by the laws and regulations of the EU, the single European currency, and the free trade of goods.
• The commercial balance in Spain is negative, meaning that Spain imports more than it exports.
• The balance of payments is positive, thanks to revenue from tourism, foreign investment, and movements of capital.

Transport Networks and Communications in Spain

• Road networks have benefited from the most governmental investment in recent years.
• The intention has been to create more connections between populations to improve speed and reduce transport time.
• Some of the disadvantages of road transport in Spain are:

1. Heavy traffic in some areas: This causes congestion in everyday movements, on weekends, and during holidays.
2. Pollution: This is caused by the large number of vehicles in the country.
3. Accidents: These are caused by the poor behavior of some drivers.

• Currently, the rail network is being improved, especially the high-speed rail links between big cities.
• Transport by sea is used for exporting goods and transporting passengers. The government is investing in improving ports to increase transport in containers.
• Some ports have become specialized passenger terminals for cruises.
• Air transport is becoming more important every day, and a lot of investment is being made in a great number of cities.
• The construction and improvement of airports facilitate travel abroad and help to receive tourists.
• Low-cost companies have contributed to this evolution.