Spanish Association of Plastics Manufacturers

Spanish plastics makers consider moving output to Morocco, Portugal and France over plastic tax

Spanish plastics manufacturers are considering shifting part of their production to Morocco, Portugal and France, citing Spain's EUR 0.45 per kilogram tax on non-recycled plastic, in force since early 2023, and growing import competition. Plastic-film imports into Spain rose 58% to 77,014 tonnes between 2023 and 2025 and a further 34% through April 2026. The Spanish Association of Plastics Manufacturers wants the tax reviewed, tighter import controls and verification of recycled-content claims.

Why this mattersSpain's EUR 0.45/kg plastic tax is prompting domestic converters to weigh moving output abroad while imported plastic film takes a growing share of the market.

• Spain's tax on non-recycled plastic, EUR 0.45 per kilogram, took effect in early 2023
• Plastic-film imports into Spain rose 58% from 48,844 tonnes in 2023 to 77,014 tonnes in 2025
• Imports climbed a further 34% in the period to April 2026
• Manufacturers are considering relocating production to Morocco, Portugal and France
• The Spanish Association of Plastics Manufacturers wants the tax reviewed and tighter import controls

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