Staples in strips market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

In the late 2010s, the Spanish market for base metal staples in strips was shaped by the growing adoption of automated assembly processes and technological improvements in manufacturing, which aimed to reduce labor costs. Demand was further supported by activity in the domestic construction sector. This trend was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused facility closures and supply chain disruptions, significantly constraining market activity.

The market recovered strongly in 2021 and 2022, with its value reaching 16 724 thousand US dollars by 2022. This rebound was fueled by renewed demand from construction and infrastructure projects following the pandemic. However, the industry simultaneously faced mounting operational costs due to stricter environmental and carbon emission regulations, alongside persistent volatility in raw material prices, particularly for steel and base metals, which put pressure on margins and contributed to the market's value growth.

Market growth slowed considerably in 2023 to 17 203 thousand US dollars, as an oversupply situation and low industrial activity in key downstream sectors like tubes and profiles weakened demand for metal products. The decline accelerated sharply in 2024, with the market value nearly halving to 9 118 thousand US dollars. This was driven by the continuation of oversupply and weak demand in key export markets like Germany and the UK, compounded by the impact of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which affected the price competitiveness of steel in Spain.

Production staples in strips in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of staples in strips in Spain.

Exports staples in strips from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of staples in strips to foreign markets have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 4 769 tons, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 184.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 272%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 54.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of Spain's exports in kind was quite diverse. Portugal accounted for 18.3% of exports, the United Kingdom for 14.0%, and France for 13.1%. Together, these three countries made up 45.4% of total export flows, while the remaining 54.6% was spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the export value of staples in strips from Spain amounted to 6 474 thousand US dollars, showing a modest increase of 7.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 36.7%, with an average annual rate of 11.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.1%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2018, at 29.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands, France, and Portugal were the main destinations for Spain's exports of staples in strips in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 19.7% of exports, France for 18.4%, and Portugal for 12.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 50.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports staples in strips to Spain

Imports in kind, t

The market for imports in kind displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 3 202 tons and peaked in 2020 at 8 650 tons, showing a 2.7-fold variation between these years. In 2020, imports increased by 164.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China and France were the key partner countries for Spain's imports in kind, together accounting for 84.1% of total import flows. Other partners made up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's import volume of staples in strips declined. In 2020, imports totaled 5 223 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial decrease of 20.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports fell by 18.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 574 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Germany, and Italy were the leading sources for Spain's imports in value terms. China accounted for 54.9% of imports, Germany for 16.3%, and Italy for 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented 77.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020