The chemical industry in Spain faces an additional expenditure of 55 million euros per month due to the increased price of energy, primarily gas and electricity, an impact worsened by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Furthermore, the navigation blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is causing logistical problems and supply shortages.
These figures emerge coinciding with the Expoquimia trade fair at Fira de Barcelona, highlighting the global geopolitical impact on Catalonia's second-largest productive sector. The Catalan chemical sector comprises over 1,700 companies and generates a turnover of 29.1 billion euros, equivalent to 9% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Considered a key sector for industrial transformation and the fight against climate change, the rise in costs stemming from the war in Iran has led the industry to demand significant support from the administration. "We are in a very delicate situation. For the survival of companies, we need substantial support from the administration," stated Maria Eugènia Anta, International Director of the Spanish Federation of Chemical Industries.
Catalan companies like Ercros are confirming this impact. According to Bernat Iserte, commercial director of plastics at the company, the main effects have been seen in "sharp increases in raw material and energy costs" and in logistical problems that have caused "occasional supply shortages and changes in usual trade flows".
The industry also seeks protection against giants like China through tariffs to maintain the basic industry and open new markets. "Keeping the European chemical sector alive makes more sense than ever, as logistics are now completely disrupted," warns Carlos Molina of Moeve, adding that "European consumption now depends on European production".
Service companies for the chemical industry, such as the Catalan consultancy Meteosim, are also experiencing uncertainty. Its general director, Oriol de Tera, explains that "companies are very watchful of spending," which forces them to "slow down decision-making considerably." The Expoquimia and Equiplast fairs expect to receive up to 21,000 professional visitors by Friday.
