Spanish paper industry’s 2025 revenue slips 2.7% to €5.09 bn amid export headwinds
Executive summary: The Spanish paper industry reported 2025 revenue of €5.092 billion, down 2.7% year‑on‑year. The decline highlights vulnerability to external demand shocks, especially from Middle Eastern markets, and raises concerns about the sector’s growth prospects and potential cost‑cutting measures.
Who is involved: Spanish paper producers, industry associations, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Likely next: If the Middle East conflict persists, export volumes may stay subdued, prompting firms to seek domestic alternatives, pursue consolidation, or request government support.
In 2025, the national paper sector generated €5.092 billion, a 2.7% decline from the previous year, according to data released by Expansión. The drop is attributed to weaker export demand, particularly linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has curtailed shipments to key overseas markets. While domestic consumption remained relatively stable, the sector faces pressure to diversify markets and improve competitiveness. Analysts warn that prolonged export weakness could affect investment and employment in the industry.
Timeline
- — El inversor de Próximo Oriente descubre la costa de Alicante (Expansión)
- — La industria papelera nacional facturó 5.092 millones en 2025, un 2,7% menos (Expansión)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Potential further export decline if Middle East tensions continue
- Industry consolidation or M&A activity
- Shift toward higher‑value specialty papers
Sectors affected
- Paper and forestry
- Packaging
- Printing
Regulatory implications
- Review of trade barriers affecting paper exports
- Adjustments to export credit guarantees
Historical parallels
- 2008 global demand slump that cut Spanish paper exports
- 2020 COVID‑19 supply chain disruptions
- 2015‑16 Eurozone slowdown impacting industrial output
Sources
- La industria papelera nacional facturó 5.092 millones en 2025, un 2,7% menos — Expansión
- El inversor de Próximo Oriente descubre la costa de Alicante — Expansión
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