Upcoming Trade Shows in Spain for Metal Working Industries

Spain’s metalworking industry employed over one million people in the first quarter of 2022, which represents a 1.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Despite a slight decrease in jobs compared to the end of 2021, this employment rate communicates that the sector is relatively stable and that metalworking remains important to the Spanish economy. Several key events have significantly impacted Spain’s metalworking industry in recent months. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a surge in metal prices, particularly steel, which has risen by 40-50% since the start of the war. This increase is coupled with disruptions in production, especially in the automotive sector, where a shortage of parts and components has slowed manufacturing. Additionally, Spain’s metal sector has faced volatility in natural gas and electricity markets. With energy accounting for 35-40% of manufacturing costs for materials like aluminum, soaring prices in these markets have added considerable strain on production costs and overall profitability. Beyond these economic pressures, domestic labour negotiations have also posed challenges given the recent strikes over collective bargaining agreements. One of the most critical regions for Spain’s metal sector is the Basque Country, where the metal industry constitutes 27.4% of the Gross Added Value of the Basque industrial sector, solidifying its place as the region’s most important economic contributor. This region, home to companies like ULMA Forged Solutions, plays a central role in forging and machining high-value components, strengthening not only the Basque economy but also Spain’s position in the European industrial market. Efforts to further industrial productivity and investment in the Basque Country are seen as vital steps for Spain’s economic stability and growth.