Spanish industry on edge: 44,7% fear the impact of US tariffs.

 

The European industry is at a turning point, losing ground to its main global competitors, United States and ChinaThis is confirmed by the report "European Industry: Competitive Advantage or Loss of Leadership? Study on the Perception of Professionals in Spain on the Future of the Sector - 2025", prepared by Easyfairs, the organizing entity of the renowned fairs Advanced Manufacturing Madrid y BarcelonaThe study highlights that a 63,7% of professionals of the sector believes that Europe is lagging behind in digitalization and technological adoption. Only a 2,2 % believes that the continent is advancing at the pace necessary to maintain its competitiveness, while a 30,1 % recognizes progress, but with important barriers still to overcome.

 

The general perception is worrying: only the 10,6% of respondents believes that Europe leads in industrial competitiveness, while a 47,4 % clearly places it behind. Although the product quality and safety (64,6%), working conditions (63,3%) and environmental regulation (57,1%) they still are differential values of the European industry, the path is hindered by the excessive bureaucracy (78,8%), high labor costs (56,2%) and dependence on external suppliers (52,7%).

 

An uncertain future for European industry

 

Uncertainty dominates the panorama, with a 42,5% of professionals anticipating a continued deterioration in European competitiveness in the coming years. To reverse this trend, key levers are identified as Strengthening the European supply chain (56,6%), the digitalization and automation of processes (55,8%), And a greater cooperation between EU countries (45,1%).

 

Despite these challenges, half of the sector (50 %) believes that Europe is “relatively ready” to compete globally in the next decade, although a 37,2 % shows skepticism. An alarming fact is that the 75,2 % believes that European governments are not implementing effective measures to support the industrial fabric.

 

Oscar Barranco, general director of Easyfairs Iberia, stresses that “the study confirms what many companies in the sector already perceived: Europe maintains great strengths in quality, sustainability and labor rights, but needs to accelerate its digitalization and industrial autonomy if it wants to remain competitive against other powers.The industry is calling for concrete measures, less bureaucracy, and more institutional support to avoid being left behind."

 

US tariffs: Moderate impact, but growing concern

 

The recent wave of US tariffs is also causing concern. 44,7 % of companies anticipate an impact on their business, albeit limited. The main strategies to address this include look for new suppliers (40,3%), adjust prices (29,6%) o redirect exports (23%). However, a 31,4 % admits not having a defined strategy yet.

 

The sectors that are expected to be most impacted are: manufacturing industry (67,3%), followed by agri-food sector (62,4%), energy and fuels (35,8%) and the transport and logistics (26,5%)This perception highlights the vulnerability of key areas of the Spanish economy to protectionist measures that strain international trade, reinforcing the need for strategies of market autonomy and diversification.

 

As for the institutional response, a 46,5% of respondents advocates encouraging local production as a countermeasure to American protectionism. Only one 23,9 % considers the imposition of reciprocal tariffs appropriate.

 

Reindustrialization or empty speech?

 

La reindustrialization of Europe It is seen as a great opportunity, although not without obstacles. 48,7 % believes it is a realistic, but difficult, goal. A 26,5 % considers it necessary and urgent, while a 21,7 % perceives it as a political promise without concrete measures. To strengthen Europe's global competitiveness, strategic priorities must focus on investment in R&D (53,1%), the industrial autonomy (50,4%) and a greater regulatory flexibility (45,1%).

 

Oscar Barranco adds: “Through Advanced Manufacturing Madrid and Barcelona We want to offer a space where the industry can activate, connect, and find real solutions to these challenges. Industrial transformation will only be possible if we unite innovation, talent, and collaboration among all stakeholders in the ecosystem. This year, more than ever, these professional events will be the driving force behind that change."

 

AMM Madrid and Barcelona: the great meetings of industrial innovation

 

Easyfairs consolidates in 2025 its annual double event with industrial innovation in Spain. Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona will celebrate its second edition on the days 1 and October 2 in Pavilion 1 of Fira de Barcelona – Gran Vía Venue, parallel to the new exhibition hall worksafe, on industrial and occupational safety. With more than 250 exhibitors and 5.000 professional visitors expected, the event expands its proposal with new thematic areas: Metal Working, Automation & Digitalisation, Additive Manufacturing and Surface Treatment. In addition, it will feature a comprehensive content program led by the Tech Congress 4.0, which will address key challenges such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and industrial automation.

 

For its part, Advanced Manufacturing Madrid will reopen its doors on the days 5 and 6 November at IFEMA, consolidated as the great meeting point for Industry 4.0 in our country. After breaking attendance records in 2024 with more than 13.000 visitors, the fair will bring together the most innovative companies in the sector in its different areas: Metal & Machine Tools, Automation & Digitalisation, Composites Engineering, Surface Treatment, Additive Manufacturing and Quality Control.

 

Both events reinforce Easyfairs' role as a driving force within the Spanish industrial ecosystem, offering a unique space for networking, knowledge sharing, and business activation across the entire value chain.