The conference, which brought together business leaders, academics and representatives of Valencian civil society, focused on the analysis of the impact of tariff policies in the business community, especially in the Valencia, a region with a strong export vocation. Ester Olivas, General Director of Entrepreneurship and Internationalization and Deputy Director of IVACE+i, moderated a debate that covered everything from direct consequences on markets and costs to export strategies and the strategic role that Europe must assume in the new world order.
Olivas contextualized the magnitude of the challenge, warning that Spanish exports could experience a significant decline, estimated at 14% in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agri-food, and automotive. While acknowledging that the direct impact on the Valencian Community could be relatively limited, amounting to 0,8% of its GDP, he emphasized the crucial need for the Exporting companies in the region prepare proactively to deal with these possible repercussions.
Charo Albert, at the head of Aceites Albert, a family business with more than six decades of experience and presence in more than 30 countries, contributed the perspective of a company with experience in the ups and downs of the international tradeDespite the climate of uncertainty, Albert remained optimistic, recalling that his company had already faced tariffs during Trump's first term. "We're used to this volatility in the economic environment; we already had tariffs during Trump's first term," Albert stated.
The CEO of Aceites Albert also highlighted the growing integration of olive oil into the American consumer's diet and the favorable climate of good harvests, factors that could mitigate the impact of the new tariffs.
For its part, Manuel Peris, CEO of DAS Audio Group, a leading Valencian company in the manufacture of sound systems for large events that exports 90% of its production and has subsidiaries in various international markets, warned about the effects beyond the purely economic. Peris emphasized the worrying insecurity and uncertainty generated by these policies, which can paralyze international trade.
"If for DAS Audio with a turnover of 12 million euros annually in the USA (30% of our turnover) It is a major economic problem both the tariffs and the devaluation of the dollar, "What worries us most is the insecurity and uncertainty generated not only in the US but throughout the world, which can cause or is beginning to cause a halt in international trade and a subsequent recession," Peris explained with concern.
In this challenging context, Ester Olivas conveyed a message of confidence in the resilience of Valencian businesses. "Companies in the Valencian Community have historically demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges, and this situation, although complex, is no exception. Therefore, with prudence, innovation, and collaboration, they will be able to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger," stated the Deputy Director of IVACE+i.
A central point of the debate was the need for a strong and united Europe to face this new global panorama. Charo Albert argued for a Europe that uses its regulatory capacity to support exporting companiesAt the same time, he pointed out the loss of competitiveness caused by "overregulation" and measures such as the plastic tax that only Spain applies.
Manuel Peris echoed this view, emphasizing that the primary tariff barrier facing European companies is the bureaucratic, tax, and internal regulatory burden.
«The first tariff that we companies suffer is the bureaucratic, tax, fiscal and regulatory burden; we have a problem in Europe."Peris stated, appealing to the ability of European political leaders to address this problem."
Both businessmen agreed that the solution lies in a Europe with a "strong and united representation", capable of unifying criteria and projecting itself as a solid global player in an increasingly complex world.
Beyond the economic and geopolitical implications, the session also devoted significant space to the Business ethicsCharo Albert highlighted how greater business ethics generates tangible benefits, such as attracting talent and increasing customer appreciation.
«Any company that is more ethical has far-reaching consequences: you can attract more talent, and your customers appreciate that you are a trustworthy company with values. Ethics are fundamental in business and everywhere."Albert emphasized."
Manuel Peris was even more emphatic in stating thatA company that has no ethics has no future«.
Both speakers agreed that ethical values are intrinsic to the social purpose that organizations must pursue.
The speakers analyzed in depth the challenges faced by companies in the face of tariff changes driven mainly by the United States, the need for a cohesive European response, and the importance of ethics as a fundamental pillar for sustainability and business success.
The seminar was opened by Diego Lorente, general secretary and director of AVE and vice president of Étnor, who warned about the growing global polarization as a breeding ground for military, technological and commercial conflicts. Lorente referred to the United States tariff policies and the China's increasingly important role in world trade, highlighting the direct impact of US tariffs on the competitiveness of European companies, which account for most of Spain's employment and GDP.
At the close of the meeting, the president of Étnor, Pedro Coca, shared the conclusion of the speakers that a return to protectionism would be a step backwards, recognizing the wealth generated by the globalization and foreign tradeHowever, he also acknowledged a "complex situation," noting that while businesspeople are accustomed to working with risks, the current uncertainty poses an additional challenge. Coca concluded by quoting Professor Jesús Conill: "The economy is war by other means, and specific economic conditions can either promote or hinder world peace."
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