- AIQBE companies' turnover was €6.9B in 2020, with 32% of production exported.
- Investments in 2020 totaled €219M, among the top five in the past decade.
- Oil refining, LNG regasification, and fuel storage accounted for 50.8% of production.
- AIQBE companies transported over 43 million tons, with 20 million tons through the Port of Huelva.
Employment and Economic Impact
In 2020, AIQBE strengthened its role as a key employer in Huelva, adding 2,565 direct jobs despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This contributed to over a third of the province's industrial employment. The association's companies played a significant role in Huelva's GDP, demonstrating resilience and contributing to local well-being.
Financial Performance
AIQBE member companies reported a turnover of €6.9 billion in 2020, a decrease from 2019 due to reduced fuel demand during lockdowns. The production value was €7.3 billion, with operating costs at €7 billion. Key cost components included auxiliary raw materials (74.6%) and utilities like electricity, fuel, and process water (4.8%).
Production and Export
Oil refining, LNG regasification, and fuel storage dominated AIQBE's production at 50.8%, followed by copper metallurgy (25.7%) and basic chemicals (20.7%), driven by increased demand for medical applications. Power plants contributed 2.8% to total production. Nearly a third of the production (32%) was exported, another 32% served the regional market, and 36% was sold within Spain, generating a gross value added of €791 million, or 8% of the provincial GVA.
Logistics and Investments
AIQBE companies transported over 43 million tons in 2020, with more than 20 million tons passing through the Port of Huelva. Investments for the year totaled €219 million, ranking among the top five in the past decade, with a cumulative investment of €1.77 billion over this period.
