In the past century, Barcelona has been a city of great economic importance for the industrial section of Spain. It has several factories that have moved to the outskirts as well. Some of the industry is based on cars, textiles, farmaceuticals, etc.

In the economy of Barcelona and Catalonia, industry furthers its development each year. An important fair where you can see works of industry is in the Feria de Muestras de Barcelona, which is one of the most important industry fairs in Europe.

The marina is also an important point of income, as it is the second most important marina in Spain, after the Port in Alceciras and that of Valencia. In movement of merchandise and of people, the El Prat Airport is one of the busiest in Europe.

In the past two decades, the industrial sector has lost some of its industrial sector, thus has made a huge effort to increase tourism and housing developments in the area to make up for the lost income.