ANFFECC expresses concern about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the frits and glazes industry

Castellón, 10 March 2026. The National Association of Manufacturers of Ceramic Frits, Glazes and Colours (ANFFECC) has today warned about the possible effects of the conflict in the Middle East on its industrial activity, due to its potential impact on energy costs, international logistics and market stability. “From ANFFECC we are closely monitoring the evolution of the conflict with concern, as the current geopolitical context introduces a significant factor of uncertainty for our sector,” the association stated. “The escalation of violence in the region is causing strong fluctuations in international markets, which are immediately translating into increases in gas prices, whose reserves are limited.” In addition to the energy impact, ANFFECC warns that the conflict is already generating logistical difficulties and increasing maritime freight costs, affecting international trade and supply chains, particularly due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. “The rise in logistics costs, possible disruptions to trade routes and volatility in energy prices may have a direct impact on industrial activity,” the association points out. “In a context of high uncertainty, there is also the risk that some customers may be forced to slow down or even temporarily halt their production,” they add. The association recalls that this conflict zone, together with other countries affected by it, constitutes a relevant market for the sector, with exports of frits, glazes, ceramic colours and inks reaching around €250 million in 2025. For this reason, ANFFECC stresses the importance of closely monitoring the evolution of the situation and its potential economic implications, particularly regarding energy markets, international logistics and the stability of destination markets. Finally, the association calls for the Administration to act in advance: “In other European countries, measures are already being assessed and announced to mitigate the impact of rising energy and logistics costs. From ANFFECC we ask the Spanish Administration to take into consideration the difficult situation facing industry and to act with sensitivity towards the needs of productive sectors in an especially complex international context.”