The EU's response to the tariff crisis fails: less than 2% of the logistics and packaging sector approves.

Empack Study and Logistics & Automation 2026

A new study by Empack and Logistics & Automation reveals that nearly half of the Spanish logistics and packaging sector is already renegotiating contracts due to the global tariff crisis. The report, presented ahead of the November event at IFEMA, confirms the pressure on costs and a unanimous criticism of the European Union's insufficient response.

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Spanish logistics, transport and packaging companies show a very critical view of the management of global tariff crisis by the EU institutions. Barely 2% of logistics companies and 1% of packaging companies consider the response of the EU to be "adequate and sufficient". Unión EuropeaThis is one of the main findings of the study. “From disruption to adaptation: a diagnosis of the Spanish logistics and packaging sector in the face of the new global trade order”, produced by Logistics & Automation y Empack, benchmark events organized by Easyfairs.

The report, based on data from June 2026, analyzes the impact of a geopolitical context marked by escalating tariffs between Estados Unidos, China and Unión Europeaand the tension at strategic points such as the Estrecho de OrmuzThe diagnosis is clear: gradual adaptation prevails over disruption, although pressure on contracts and costs is already a reality for most.

Logistics and transport: tariff pressure is passed on to daily operations

Tariffs have ceased to be a distant threat and have become a daily management factor. The study reveals that almost half of the companies in the sector (48%) have already had to renegotiate contracts with international clients or suppliers. Of these, 31% have done so on a one-off basis, while 17% acknowledge a broad and significant impact on their commercial terms. Only 39% report not having needed to do so at this time.

Daily operations are primarily affected by the new tariffs of the UE to Chinese products and US tariffs on European products. In the customs arena, the situation is not yet critical for most, as 43% have not noticed any significant changes. However, 23% acknowledge a moderate impact, and a significant 16% already assume regulatory compliance surchargesRegarding the relocation of customer production towards Europa22% of companies that do perceive this trend are analyzing how to adapt their logistics network, prioritizing investment in technological integration, traceability and storage capacity.

"The customs data best explains the current situation: there is no collapse yet, but 16% are already absorbing additional compliance costs," he points out. Óscar Barranco, CEO Easyfairs Iberia"And those who are noticing the relocation of their customers are not only responding by expanding their ships and fleet, but also by..." technology and traceabilityThat's the investment that will decide who survives the next cycle."

Packaging: Between rising raw material costs and PPWR uncertainty

The packaging sector is experiencing similar pressure, with 44% of companies having renegotiated their contracts (32% on a case-by-case basis and 12% on a broad scale). The biggest challenge stems from the rising cost of raw materials . Plastics and resins are the most affected, cited by 42% of companies, followed by cardboard and paper (28%) and aluminum and other metals (28%).

Despite this pressure, the reaction is cautious: 46% are maintaining their usual suppliers, and only 8% have already relocated part of their supply base. Adding to this challenge is the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the new European Packaging Regulation (PPWR) , applicable from August 2026. Surprisingly, 28% of packaging manufacturers are still unaware of the regulations or believe they do not affect them, and 22% are already incurring additional costs to adapt their processes.

Source: Study "From disruption to adaptation", Empack and Logistics & Automation (June 2026).

Key Indicator	Logistics and Transportation	Packaging
He considers the EU's response appropriate.	2%	1%
He has renegotiated contracts	48 %	44 %
Perceive the context as both a threat and an opportunity	53 %	59 %
He is unaware of the PPWR or it does not affect him	N/A	28 %

Unanimous criticism of the European response and a future of caution

The European institutions' response has been met with resounding disapproval. 48% of logistics companies and 44% of packaging companies rate their reaction as "insufficient." Despite this, a disruption of the business model is not anticipated, but rather a gradual adaptation. More than half of the companies in both sectors (53% in logistics and 59% in packaging) perceive the current context as a combination of equal parts threat and opportunity , demonstrating a pragmatic outlook.

In conclusion, Óscar Barranco In summary: “Our study confirms that uncertainty has become the new normal for the Spanish supply chain. Companies are no longer waiting for the situation to stabilize before taking action; instead, they are redefining suppliers, reviewing contracts, and adapting processes, while the European regulatory framework itself, with the arrival of the PPWR, adds another layer of complexity.” Whoever best combines commercial agility and regulatory anticipation will make the difference in the coming years."

Empack and Logistics & Automation 2026: epicenter of the sector debate

The next joint edition of Empack, Logistics & Automation y Logistic & Industrial Build It will be held on November 11th and 12th in IFEMA MadridUnder the slogan “The Universe of Innovation”, the event will bring together 456 exhibiting companies and more than 250 speakers to address the challenges and opportunities that define the present and future of the sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main impact of the tariff crisis on Spanish logistics and packaging companies?

The main direct impact is the need to renegotiate contracts. Almost half of the companies in both sectors (48% in logistics and 44% in packaging) have already had to review commercial terms with international clients or suppliers due to tariff changes and geopolitical instability.

How does the sector assess the European Union's response to this trade crisis?

The assessment is overwhelmingly negative. Less than 2% of logistics and packaging companies believe the response from European institutions has been adequate. The prevailing perception is that it is insufficient to protect the sector's interests.

What is PPWR and why does it pose a challenge for the packaging industry?

The PPWR is the new European Packaging Regulation, applicable from August 2026. It poses a major challenge because it introduces new requirements regarding sustainability and recyclability, but 28% of companies in the sector are still unaware of it or believe that it does not affect them, which highlights an information gap and regulatory adaptation.

What is the general feeling within the sector about the future?

The prevailing sentiment is one of caution and pragmatic adaptation. The majority of companies (53% in logistics and 59% in packaging) view the current scenario as a combination of threat and opportunity. A disruption of the business model is not expected, but rather a gradual and manageable transformation.