Spanish Steel Giant Celsa Sidener Cuts Trade Ties with Israel

PNN Business Desk: Celsa Sidener, one of Spain’s largest steel producers, has officially severed all commercial ties with Israel, according to reports from local Spanish media and Turkey’s Anadolu Agency. The company stated that the move aligns with the Spanish government’s recent call to suspend trade relations with Israel.

Last year, Irish investigative outlet The Ditch revealed that Sidener sold 1,207 tons of steel bars to Israel’s weapons manufacturer IMI Systems over a ten-month period. Sidener is considered one of Europe’s leading specialized steel producers.

According to Spanish news outlet Cadena SER, the decision is expected to have minimal financial impact on the company, as sales to Israel account for only 0.5% of Sidener’s total revenue.

Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Spanish government has announced a halt on all arms exports to Israel, although some reports suggest a few contracts remain active. Notably, Spain formally recognized the State of Palestine last year.

Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the European Union for failing to terminate its trade agreement with Israel. Sidener’s latest move adds to the mounting international pressure on Israel and may inspire other European companies to reconsider their trade relationships with the country.