Faced with the growing threat of global tariffs and shifting trade dynamics, Afera surveyed its Members to better understand how the European adhesive tape industry is preparing for potential disruption. The results reveal a sector actively grappling with cost pressures, supply chain risks and the need for strategic foresight.
Conducted anonymously across Afera’s Membership from 31 March to 9 April, the survey posed five open-ended questions and received dozens of insightful responses. The results help paint a picture of how our industry is thinking, and acting, as trade dynamics continue to evolve.
Five questions, many signals
Will EU–US tariffs affect your business?
Yes – and not just directly. While some companies do not trade with the U.S. directly, most expect indirect impacts. With the U.S. market less accessible to Asian exporters, Europe could become a dumping ground for cheaper products, particularly from China. This threatens profitability and weakens European producers’ competitive position. Key concerns include:
• Rising costs across supply chains
• Disrupted procurement and raw material sourcing
• Export hurdles, inflationary pressure and oversupply in EU markets
A few firms expect little to no direct impact, but they acknowledge the risk of ripple effects via customers or markets linked to transatlantic trade.
What will be the biggest impact on your business if tariffs evolve?
Three themes stood out:
• Raw material cost increases: Most companies foresee input costs rising dramatically. Some fear exploding cost structures if tariffs escalate.
• Supply chain instability: Logistics, distribution and production planning are already under pressure. A fractured trade system will worsen this.
• Economic slowdown: Several respondents fear a broader recession, with decreased investment,lower production volumes and shrinking demand.
One participant summed it up: “Tariffs won’t just shift trade – they’ll reshape the economy. We’re not exempt.”
Which part of your value chain is most vulnerable?
This question delivered a nearly unanimous answer: raw materials. Tape producers typically rely on globally traded base substrates and specialty chemicals. These are not easily substituted or localised, especially when strict quality or regulatory requirementsapply. The following points were raised repeatedly:
• Unequal global distribution of raw material production
• Long timeframes and high costs to relocate or replicate capacity
• Dependence on certified sources, some of which are extra-EU
Interestingly, converting and end-use processes were seen as less affected – because they tend to be more local and flexible.
What are you doing – or planning – to mitigate the risks?
• Localisation of sourcing and manufacturing
• Diversification of supply chains and geographical sourcing
• Mapping of critical supply chain nodes
• Building buffer stocks and increasing working capital
• Stronger partnerships with customers and suppliers
• Price communication strategies with customers
Others admitted that being proactive is difficult without more clarity—but recognised the need to prepare nonetheless.
What should Afera, the European Adhesive Tape Association, do?
Members clearly see Afera as a facilitator in this complex environment. Recurring requests included:
1. Provide clarity
• What materials and tariff codes are affected?
• What are the financial and regulatory consequences?
• How can companies access reliable, short summaries?
2. Strengthen advocacy
• Make representation to the European Commission
• Advocate for certified EU-level recycling standards
• Promote fairness in trade, especially against underpriced imports
• Work with CEOs and associations to shape a coordinated message
3. Raise industry visibility
• Educate tape users and adjacent industries
• Campaign for local-to-local production
• Reinforce the strategic importance of the tape industry in value chains.
So where do we go from here?
This survey has confirmed that many Afera Members are already moving in the direction which scenario builders recommend: diversifying, localising, mapping and communicating. But it also shows that the industry needs support, especially in the form of:
• Better information
• More visibility
• Coordinated responses at the EU level.
This topic will be addressed at Afera’s inaugural European Tape Week from 22 to 26 September in Thessaloniki, Greece.
For more information, visit www.afera.com and www.aferaeuropeantapeweek.com.
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