The first edition of Expoquimia was held in Barcelona in December 1965 and brought together, according to the press of the time, more than 125,000 visitors, attracted by the rise of a chemical sector that had just been declared key to national development by the Stabilization Plan. These days, between June 2 and 5, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, the veteran show is celebrating its 60th anniversary that will have more than 400 exhibitors and will feature 300 speakers grouped into 150 activities. In total, there will be more than 900 commercial brands represented in an event that aims to show the main innovations in areas such as raw materials, basic chemistry, machinery, capital goods, mechanization or ecological transformation. For the president of Expoquimia, Carles Navarro, the transversal nature of the chemical industry “makes it an essential element to move towards a more sustainable and competitive production model”. We are talking about a sector that is at the beginning of most value chains, since it is one of the essential suppliers of 98% of productive activities. In Spain, according to data from the Feique employers’ association, it reached a turnover of 85,417 million euros in 2025 and consolidated itself as the leading export sector in the national economy. Taking into account its added values, it produces 4% of Spanish GDP. Even more: it brings together 3,048 companies that generate 226,000 direct jobs. If indirect and induced employment is included, the figure exceeds one million workers, which is equivalent to 6.7% of employees in the private sector. In addition, it brings together 22% of the teaching staff and concentrates 23.5% of industrial investments in R&D&I. In Navarro’s words, Expoquimia is the space in which this vigorous sector can come together with science and public administration to “share solutions and accelerate industrial transformation.” Xavier Pascual, director of the show, has highlighted that the growth predicted for this edition will reinforce Expoquimia’s position as a major sector reference «both for the generation of business and for the exchange of knowledge.» One of the highlighted axes at this year’s Expoquimia will be the Industry Showcase, with sessions focused on success stories in areas such as circular water management, decarbonization, digitalization or the introduction of AI. In the Smart Chemistry forum, dedicated to the role of the chemical industry as a lever for the green transition, leading companies such as AEQT, Air Liquide, BASF, Bondalti, Carburos Metálicos, Covestro, Ercros, Moeve, Quimidroga and Repsol will share their experience. As a great novelty, this year Expoquimia presents Innovation Hub, a meeting point between start-ups, companies, universities and technology centers. On Wednesday the 3rd, to celebrate its six decades of experience, the salon is organizing a gala dinner that will bring together 700 guests in the Oval Room of the National Art Museum of Catalonia. In addition, Expoquimia coincides again this year with Equiplast, the international exhibition of the plastics industry, which reaches its 40th edition. With a very notable presence from countries such as China, Germany, Turkey, France, Portugal, the Netherlands and Italy, Equiplast will bring together more than 400 exhibitors.
