The Department of Agriculture and Prodeca map out the sector's response to tougher US trade policy

With the aim of gather the sector's concerns and give a coordinated response to the impact of the new tariffs imposed by the United States, the Department of Agriculture and Prodeca held a working session with Catalonia's main agri-food associations and organisations to address the impact of the new tariffs imposed by the United States.

The meeting served to share the institutional strategy in this scenario of global uncertainty and to listen to the sector's concerns. Minister Ordeig wanted to convey a message of confidence and determination and reiterated the Government's commitment to the North American market: "The United States is and will remain a key market for Catalonia. Despite these unjustified tariffs we cannot abandon exports. We must keep adding value to our products and pursuing solid, diversified internationalisation", he said.

In his remarks Ordeig highlighted the successful track record of Catalan agri-food exports to the United States, which have grown by more than 125% in value over the past 10 years. Sectors such as wine (leading destination market), olive oil (second) and the Fine Food range — led by sweets, cocoa, snacks, ready meals and juices — are examples of Catalonia's export potential.

The minister also highlighted the key role of the Responem Plan, run by the Catalan Government, as a tool to strengthen the resilience of the business community in the face of trade tensions and guarantee companies' competitiveness in the international market. He highlighted Prodeca's role as a strategic instrument for overseas promotion and announced new support tools specifically for the affected products.

For her part, Prodeca's director, Dèlia Perpiñà, set out the main activities planned to strengthen the presence of Catalan products in the United States. "We are putting our 40 years of internationalisation experience at the service of Catalan companies. Our aim is to increase commercial returns in this market while exploring new opportunities in other destinations to diversify risk and consolidate competitiveness", she said.

Key activities to strengthen commercial outreach in the US market

As part of its international outreach strategy, Prodeca has announced a set of specific activities to strengthen the presence of Catalan products in the North American market and widen commercial opportunities for exporters. Many of the initiatives will revolve around the Catalan Food programme for adding value to and commercially positioning Catalan products in strategic markets. During the year it will hold several Catalan Food Masterclass, combining training, promotional and commercial activities in key cities such as Miami, Boston and Chicago to champion the quality and distinctiveness of Catalan products before local importers, distributors and opinion leaders.

This September will also see the Catalan Food Show Miami, a sector fair bringing together importers of Catalan food and wine with sector professionals — distributors, restaurateurs, sommeliers, chefs, specialist shops, press and influencers — to create spaces for connection and business. Towards the end of the year, in collaboration with the Catalan Government Delegation to the United States, a Christmas showcase will be organised in New York under the name Catalan Food Christmas Tasting, designed to keep positioning the Catalan agri-food brand internationally.

These activities will be accompanied by Prodeca's participation in trade events such as Expo West Natural Products and the Summer Fancy Food Show, as well as by the organisation of the Catalan Food Business Forum, held on 4 and 5 June in Barcelona. This business meeting will bring together international buyers from 23 strategic markets, including the United States, with Catalan agri-food companies.

Finally, Dèlia Perpiñà also presented measures in the field of training and market analysis. These include a series of four webinars to help companies manage the impact of the tariffs from various angles — financial, commercial, legal, logistical and marketing — as well as a mentoring programme for the internationalisation of SMEs and micro-enterprises. The digital tool Prodeca Export Test was also presented: an online questionnaire that lets companies assess their internationalisation potential and design a strategy for entering new markets with greater knowledge and confidence.

Organisations taking part in the working session on the impact of US tariffs:

• ACCIO
• Young Farmers' Agricultural Association (ASAJA) 
• Catalan Association of Oil Mills and Bottlers (ACAE)
• Catalan Association of Pig Producers (PORCAT)
• Association of Cava Producers (AECAVA)
• Meat Business Association (ANAFRIC)
• Catalan Fruit Business Association (AFRUCAT)
• Catalan Wine Association (AVC)
• Barcelona Chamber of Commerce in Osona
• Lleida Chamber of Commerce
• Reus Chamber of Commerce
• Catalan Food Retail Cluster
• Corpinnat
• Catalan Poultry Federation (FAC)
• Catalan Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (FCAC)
• Business Federation of Meat and Meat Industries (FECIC)
• Private Entrepreneurs' Foundation (FemCAT)
• Catalan Agricultural Institute of Sant Isidre
• Catalan Institute of Vine and Wine (INCAVI)
• Young Farmers and Livestock Breeders of Catalonia (JARC)
• Unió de Pagesos