Economic Overview of the Murcia Region
PRIMARY SECTOR
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Agriculture in the Murcia region is a strategic sector in the regional economy, employing close to 10% of the regional workforce. Agricultural land comprises 50% of the region’s total area, with 67% dedicated to dry farming and the remaining 33% to irrigation.
Key Crops:
- Peach
- Apricot
- Melon
- Lemon
- Tomato
- Lettuce
- Peppers
- Grapes
- Olives
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Barley
Food production for export is a key aspect of the Murcia region’s economy. The Segura River Basin, the primary water source, only meets 76% of the region’s agricultural needs. To address water scarcity, farmers have adopted advanced technologies to rationalize water use.
Organic Farming:
Organic farming, also known as biological or ecological farming, is a sustainable approach to agriculture that prioritizes environmental respect and typically avoids the use of synthetic chemicals. The Autonomous Community of Murcia actively promotes organic farming through dedicated support programs.
Regulatory Boards:
Regulatory boards under the Ministry of Agriculture oversee the implementation of production standards for Murcia’s agricultural products.
Designation of Origin Products:
- Wine (Yecla, Jumilla, and Bullas)
- Calasparra rice
- Murcia paprika
- Jumilla pear
LIVESTOCK
While the number of farms has decreased, the remaining farms have expanded and modernized to enhance productivity. Murcia’s livestock sector is recognized as a European leader in research and development (R&D).
Improvements in livestock health, selection of native breeds, and introduction of imported breeds have enhanced profitability. Notable breeds include the Murciano-Granadina goat and the lamb of Segura and La Sagra.
FISHING
Fishing has a long tradition in the Murcia Region. However, aquaculture, particularly the farming of species like sea bream, sea bass, and bluefin tuna, is the most profitable segment of the modern fishing industry.
The fishing fleet in Murcia primarily consists of small-scale, artisanal vessels operating in coastal waters. Registered vessels operate from the ports of Cartagena, San Pedro del Pinatar, Lo Pagan, Mazarrón, La Azohía (fishing trap), and Águilas.
SECONDARY SECTOR
INDUSTRY
Murcia’s industry exhibits remarkable dynamism, evident in the diversification and vitality of its various sectors. The proliferation of industrial estates (currently over 60) and technology centers highlights this growth.
Food and Beverage Industry:
The region specializes in producing canned vegetables, juices, fruit drinks, jams, preserves, frozen vegetables, table olives, pickles, and related products. These products enjoy high export volumes and recognition in European markets.
The meat industry thrives due to the significance of the pig sector in the region. Within the beverage sector, the wine industry stands out.
Chemical Industry:
Cartagena is a major chemical hub, hosting both traditional and large-scale industries. The area around the Escombreras Valley is home to cutting-edge technologies and global production facilities, including the polycarbonate plant of Sabic (formerly General Electric Plastics) located between Cartagena and Fuente Álamo. The sector’s high export levels demonstrate its competitiveness.
Metallurgical Industry:
The region’s metallurgical industry focuses on manufacturing metal products, excluding machinery and equipment. The construction machinery and mechanical equipment sector excels in external marketing, particularly for finished metal articles.
Shipbuilding has a strong tradition in the region, represented by the Navantia shipyard (formerly Bazan) in Cartagena.
Extractive Industries:
Extractive industries in the region primarily focus on stones, sand, clay, and aggregates for construction, with a particular emphasis on marble. Murcia accounts for over 10% of national marble production.
Textile and Clothing Industry:
Key activities include cotton and blended fabric production, knitwear manufacturing, carpet production, and other textile goods.
Leather and Footwear Manufacturing:
This sector is primarily concentrated in footwear production.
Energy Sector:
Both Iberdrola and Gas Natural operate facilities in the Escombreras Valley. The sector also includes water collection and distribution activities, which are crucial for the region.
TERTIARY SECTOR
TRADE AND SERVICES
Retail:
Murcia ranks eleventh among Spanish autonomous communities in terms of the total number of retail businesses. Non-food products, including clothing, footwear, and home goods, account for 59% of retail businesses in the region.
Food-related businesses, including traditional shops and supermarkets, represent 33% of the retail structure. The remaining 8% comprises mixed-trade department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, street vendors, and flea markets.
The region’s 45 municipalities are grouped into three business areas represented by Chambers of Commerce in Lorca, Murcia, and Cartagena.
Wholesale Trade:
Food, beverages, and agricultural raw materials dominate wholesale trade in the Murcia Region.
Services:
The services sector is a significant source of employment and investment in Murcia.
Financial Services:
Financial services are provided by both private banks and publicly owned savings banks. Almost all national institutions and major banks have a presence in the region, with Caja del Mediterráneo (CAM) and Cajamurcia, historically linked to the territory, having a substantial branch network.
Professional Services:
Both skilled professionals (lawyers, architects, doctors, consultants, etc.) and service personnel (plumbers, electricians, hairdressers, etc.) are distributed throughout the region.
TOURISM
Tourism is a major contributor to the Murcia economy, providing significant employment opportunities. The region’s tourism industry is characterized by its distinct seasonality.
COMMUNICATIONS
railway network in the Region of Murcia has two main areas related to Levante and the Central Plateau, respectively, converge in a common section between Sewell and Alquerías.La Murcia has 7 ports that develop commercial activities in Cartagena 3 (a fishing port and two bays located inside the bay of Cartagena and tailings) and 4 fishing ports (Located in Mazarron, Aguilas and Lo Pagan San Pedro del Pinatar) is a regional airport in San Javier and Corvera. CRAFT The craft has been very important in the region over the centuries, and has been and is a clear indication of their uniqueness. Nativity scenes, of which we are the leading domestic producer, the Silk, the main engine of our economy during the eighteenth and nineteenth Lorca embroidery, shown in all its glory in our festivals, the esparto, or ceramics and pottery are clear examples