Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
Spanish paper industry warns of more closures as costs and imports rise
Aspapel warns Spain’s paper industry faces more closures because energy costs are high, activity has fallen and international competition is growing.
The industry contributed nearly €5.1 billion to Spain’s economy and directly employed about 17,600 people across 72 factories.
Imports of paper and cardboard from Asia rose 64% between the first halves of 2024 and 2026, with China, Indonesia, Turkey, Taiwan and India among the main sources.
Aspapel says producers in those countries can have lower energy and other costs, making it harder for Spanish firms to compete.
Some closures and investment moves have already happened, including the 2025 closure of Reno de Medici’s Barcelona factory and Altri’s decision not to pursue a major project in Galicia.
Aspapel wants immediate help with energy costs, followed by a framework for industries that use large amounts of heat and state support for investment in cutting emissions.
Spain’s paper industry association has warned that rising costs, falling activity and growing international competition could lead to more closures.
Association president Elisabet Alier said energy costs and imports from Asia are putting pressure on the sector’s competitiveness.
Spanish imports of paper and cardboard from Asia rose 64% between the first half of 2024 and the first half of 2026.
The industry contributed almost €5.1 billion to Spain’s economy and directly employed about 17,600 people across 72 factories.
Aspapel called for immediate measures to ease energy costs and longer-term support for energy-intensive industries and decarbonisation investment.
- Who
- The Spanish paper industry, represented by Aspapel president Elisabet Alier.
- What
- Aspapel warned that rising costs and imports could lead to further closures and called for government support.
- When
- The warning was reported on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- Energy costs, falling activity and growing international competition are weakening the sector’s competitiveness.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Spanish imports of paper and cardboard from Asia rose 64% between the first half of 2024 and the first half of 2026.
Italian paper company Reno de Medici closed its Barcelona factory.
Imports from Turkey rose 48.5% and imports from China rose 26%, according to Aspapel.
Expansión reported Aspapel president Elisabet Alier’s warning about the sector’s situation.
- Industry contribution
- Almost €5.1 billion to Spain’s economy
- Direct employment
- About 17,600 people
- Factories
- 72
- Asian imports
- Up 64% between the first half of 2024 and the first half of 2026
- Turkey imports
- Up 48.5% in the first half of 2026
- China imports
- Up 26% in the first half of 2026
What people are saying
We are very concerned about the loss of competitiveness because it can lead to relocation.
These are countries that are not subject to CO2 charges and have different cost structures and energy.