The event, announced by the Minister of Economy, Business and Employment, Patricia Franco, will serve as a meeting point to address the challenges and opportunities that the new Strategic Plan for the Internationalization of Castilla-La Mancha 2026-2030.
The announcement was made in Valencia during the meeting of Interterritorial Internationalization Council, chaired by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, Charles BodyAt the meeting, Councillor Franco highlighted the urgency of addressing the US tariff policy, which has affected the region's exports.
Castilian-Manchegan exports to the US under scrutiny
According to data presented by the counselor, the exports from Castilla-La Mancha to the United States Revenues reached €166,3 million in the first half of the year, representing a 4,6% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the decline, this percentage is half a percentage point lower than the 5,1% decrease recorded nationwide.
Franco highlighted that, although the large export items have shown stability, products such as cheese and the wine have managed to increase their sales to the US in the first half of the year. Other industrial sectors have also shown solid growth, with machinery experiencing a 30% increase and electrical appliances a notable 70%. Overall, the region's export sector remains strong, setting a new record with €5.478,9 billion exported, 6,5% more than in 2024.
Demand for "zero tariffs" for key products
During the meeting, Councillor Franco conveyed the business sector's requests to the Ministry of Economy, highlighting the need to include the wine, oil and Manchego cheese in a possible "zero tariff" agreement between the European Union and United States"We want our agri-food products... to be part of that exemption from tariffs," emphasized Franco, who stressed that almost 50% of the exports of the Manchego Cheese Designation of Origin (DO) go to the US market.
In addition, it requested intensifying promotional campaigns in the U.S. and strengthening support for companies through the new Spanish Office in the country. The Ministry, for its part, has committed to expanding the number of exporting companies to one thousand. United States which will have special monitoring and support from the Government through the ICEX - Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade.
The 'Exporta CLM Forum' will be a crucial platform for companies in the region to prepare and collaborate in overcoming these challenges, with the aim of continuing to boost the international projection of the economy of Castilla-La Mancha.
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