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Catalan companies seek guidance on U.S. tariff response plan
A total of 80 companies in Catalonia have reached out to the Generalitat's Agency for Business Competitiveness (ACCIÓ) for advice following the announcement of the Pla Responem, a plan to counter the tariff war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agency, which operates under the Generalitat, is not the only one receiving inquiries; the Catalan Finance Institute (ICF) has also been contacted four times regarding available aid.
This information was confirmed by Consellera Alícia Romero in her speech before the Economy and Finance Commission of the Catalan Parliament. Romero extended an offer to the opposition to form a working group in May and acknowledged that the U.S. tariff policies would ultimately present challenges. However, she reassured business owners by stating that Catalonia is currently in a "strong economic position."
Romero further explained that "companies are not yet feeling the impact," although concern persists due to a 90-day moratorium imposed by the U.S. president, which temporarily reduced tariffs from 20% to 10%.
In early April, the Salvador Illa government unveiled the response plan to address U.S. tariff policies. The initiative aims to protect Catalan businesses and jobs, while also expanding their global reach. A total of 1.5 billion euros will be allocated across five areas: 300 million euros for grants and subsidies, 900 million for loans and credits, 150 million for investment and capitalization funds, 130 million for advisory and support services, and 20 million for promotional and communication campaigns.