According to AFIA data, the main destinations for car parts made in Portugal remained Spain and Germany, "closely followed" by France and the UK. In all, these four countries take 70% of all the industry's exports, with the remainder distributed among other European countries and the rest of the world, with the US and China among the biggest takers.


According to the association, the results reflect "sustained although relatively moderate growth" in line with the sector's track record.
It cited the "constancy" of export destinations as showing success in securing long-term clients for the future.


The AFIA represents some 200 companies based or with operations in Portugal, employing some 41,000 people. That is 5.6% of all manufacturing jobs, with the sector also accounting for some 4.1% of gross domestic product last year, as well as 21% of goods exports.