Spain's glass packaging sector recorded sales of EUR 675.6M in 2005, a rise of 3.8% on 2004, while the tonnage of glass containers brought to market rose 3.5% to just over 2.1M/t. According to Anfevi (National Association of Glass Container Manufacturers), growth expectations for 2006 are positive given that in the first quarter tonnage sold increased by 7.8%, even if the annual figure is expected to be closer to 4%. The president of Anfevi, which represents 98% of the Spanish sector, noted that the strongest growth occured in the markets for "value added" product packaging, namely wine, vinegar, preserves & baby food. According to the Anfevi analysis, the balance between domestic demand & production in the Spanish glass industry has undergone a shift, resulting in a decline in exports & a rise in imports, mainly from Portugal.
