El Government of Juanma Moreno has released a message of tranquility and institutional collaboration before the application of new duty by the United States, which particularly affect the Andalusian agri-food sector.
After presiding over the Social Dialogue Table Together with unions and employers, Moreno has stressed that, Although exports to the US are significant, "they are not decisive" in the Andalusian economy as a whole. For this reason, it has opted for a response based on unit, smart diplomacy and opening of new markets with the aim of counteracting the negative effects that Trump's unilateral tariffs could have on the Andalusian economy.
"It's a problem that comes from outside, but we must face it from within, with certainty and solutions." The Andalusian president stated in his speech from the San Telmo Palace.
Andalusia, an exporting powerhouse
Moreno has highlighted that Andalusia has established itself as one of Spain's three largest exporting powers., together with Catalonia and the Community of Madrid, thanks to a process of internationalization accompanied Your Strategic , boldness and the effort set of companies, workers and administration. "Our products are high-quality and compete reliably in the world's most demanding markets.", has underlined.
In 2024, the Andalusian exports Exports to the US reached €3.200 billion, representing 8% of the region's total exports and 1,4% of its GDP, a figure higher than the national average (1,1%). Despite being Andalusia's main non-European market, its relative weight allows the Andalusian government to send a message of reassurance.
"Exports to the United States are important, but they're not decisive. We won't allow alarmism to influence our strategy.", said Moreno, who has reiterated the strength of the Andalusian export network.
Impact on key sectors
The duty directly affect the food industry, which accounts for 43% of Andalusian exports to the United States. In 2024 alone, agricultural products worth €1.355 billion were exported, with olive groves being the predominant sector (€1.032 billion), representing more than 75% of the total agricultural food exports.
Other affected sectors include petroleum refining, cement products, natural stone, and the aeronautical industry, especially in the province of Seville, whose parts and components are integrated into U.S. manufacturing systems.
Diplomacy, unity and own voice
The Andalusian Government has reiterated its afirm support for the European Union and its support for a professional proportional and based on the diplomatic negotiation. At the same time, he has offered his full collaboration with the Government of Spain, which he urged to propose measures such as tax cuts and the use of ICO guarantees and loans.
"It's time to respond from unity. "Only by coordinating efforts and demonstrating cohesion between administrations can we protect our productive model," Moreno stressed.
Among the measures already in place, the following stand out: creation of a extraordinary fund to strengthen international promotion of the agri-food sector, as well as a Package of incentives for internationalization worth 11 million euros that Trade (Business Agency for Economic Transformation and Development) is preparing.
It's time for smart diplomacy. We support the European Union's firm and proportionate response to the US tariffs, without abandoning the path of negotiation.
The Government of Spain has the full cooperation of the Government of Andalusia.
Serenity. pic.twitter.com/m9PZMNuVnv
—Juanma Moreno (@JuanMa_Moreno) April 7, 2025
New trade horizons to circumvent US tariffs
In order to minimize the impact of tariffs, reduce dependence on the US market and diversify export destinations, Andalusia is preparing a commercial campaign in Japan before the summer., coinciding with the Osaka World Expo. Japan, with more than 110 million inhabitants and a great appreciation for Spanish products, is considered key to positioning Andalusian olive oil, ham, and other products.
"Japan is a priority market, but we're also going to work hard in China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.", explained Moreno, who recalled that the Andalusian presence in China has already begun to yield tangible results in terms of exports.
Promotional campaigns are also promoted in India for table olives, and new opportunities are being explored in Brazil. Major international distribution chains will also be invited to visit Andalusia and experience the region's production capabilities firsthand.
Coordination with unions and employers
La Social Dialogue Table It has served as a forum for unions and employers to put forward their proposals. CCOO and UGT have positively valued the speed of the Andalusian Government and have asked that responses to this US tariff offensive be developed within the framework of social dialogue, with measures that combine short-term responses and a structural strategy of industrialization.
The union's proposals include direct aid to SMEs and cooperatives, a specific internationalization program, a boost to e-commerce, and a major institutional campaign to strengthen the "Andalusia Brand."
La Confederation of Businessmen He stressed the need to differentiate responses according to the sectors affected and insisted that "We must act with common sense, intelligent diplomacy, and trust.".
Dialogue, certainty and solutions
Moreno has concluded that this is "a A complex but also decisive moment for Andalusia«He assured that the regional government will continue holding meetings with all sectors and analyzing decisions made by the central government and the European institutions.
"The best way to face this challenge of tariffs is through dialogue.", agreement, and collaboration. It's the best way to offer certainty and solutions to our businesses, workers, and citizens., He said.
