The direct economic contribution of artisan crafts in Spain stood at just over six billion euros in 2019. This figure represents a decline of around 5% compared to 2015, according to the study Artisan Crafts in Spain: hallmark of high-end goods, researched by the auditing company KPMG.

The stagnation of craft activity in Spain is also reflected in the lower number of companies dedicated to these trades, which stood at around 64 thousand in 2019. Compared to, for example , France, this number is significantly lower, since there are more than 120 thousand artisan workshops operating in the neighbouring country. The manual manufacture of leathergoods, footwear and other products generates nearly 213 thousand jobs in Spain, a figure that has hardly changed since 2015.

“Despite its vulnerability, the differential characteristics of Spanish crafts represent a great opportunity for the future due to its fundamental added value for national and international brands,” noted KPMG.

“In order to preserve, promote and reinforce high craftsmanship in Spain, it is necessary to improve training, visibility and appreciation of artisans and their products. Support of the government and private resources, cultural tourism, high added value, digitization, and sustainability are all necessary to connect with new consumers at an international level,” concluded the report.