In 2006, Spanish machine tool manufacturers’ new orders grew 19% with respect to 2005, emphasising the entry of orders from export markets, which has increased 24.7%, compared to the 3.8% in the domestic market. This trend has been maintained in the first quarter of 2007, presenting an increase of 26.7% with respect to the first quarter of 2006.

The sector's production in 2006, in definitive figures, has grown 8.23% with respect to the previous year, reaching 978.89 million euros, nearer and nearer to the highest figure obtained by the sector: 990 million euros reached in 2001.

Exports amounted to 557.95 million euros, which signifies an increase of 11.87% with respect to 2005 representing 57% of total production. Exports coverage compared to imports is 121.09%, and the machine tool sector generates surplus in the balance. The ten main destinations for Spanish exports this year have been Germany, followed by France, Mexico, Italy, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Portugal, India, and Brazil. Exports to these ten countries represent 71.1% of the total of our exports in 2006.