Catalunya Exporta Roadmap: the free guide to getting started with exporting in a structured way

The Catalunya Exporta roadmap is a free diagnostic service funded by ACCIÓ that assesses a company’s starting point and defines the key elements of its export strategy. It is prepared by an accredited internationalisation support agent and is designed for companies that do not yet sell abroad or have only recently started exporting. Its objective is simple: to ensure that a company’s first step into international markets is guided by a plan rather than intuition.

In this article, we explain what the programme is, what the roadmap assesses, who prepares it and how to get the most out of it.


What is Catalunya Exporta?

Catalunya Exporta is ACCIÓ’s export initiation programme. ACCIÓ is the agency for business competitiveness of the Government of Catalonia. The programme is part of the Responem plan and, according to information published in February 2026, aims to help up to 2,000 companies that have never sold abroad start exporting within three years. The goal is for half of them to become regular exporters before 2030. The programme has a budget of €3 million.

The programme is organised into three phases:

  1. Training sessions. Free sessions covering the fundamentals of international trade, including Incoterms, digitalisation and international sales management.
  2. Catalunya Exporta roadmap. A personalised assessment of the company’s export potential, which we explain below.
  3. Tools and support schemes. Once the assessment has been completed, ACCIÓ helps identify the grants, services and tools best suited to each company’s project.

The three phases of Catalunya Exporta: training, the Catalunya Exporta roadmap, and tools and support schemes.

Who prepares the Catalunya Exporta roadmap?

The Catalunya Exporta roadmap is prepared by an internationalisation support agent accredited by ACCIÓ. These agents include chambers of commerce, business associations and specialist consultancies. Companies can choose the agent that best matches their sector and working methods. If they are unsure which one to select, they can submit a form and ACCIÓ will assign an agent.

The service is free for the company because it is funded by ACCIÓ. The process combines interviews with management, a review of company information and an analysis of its existing channels.


What does a Catalunya Exporta roadmap assess? The 12 sections

The Catalunya Exporta roadmap follows a clearly defined structure. These are the sections it typically includes and what each one is designed to achieve:

  1. Company profile. Basic details, sector and contact person.
  2. Company description. Products or services, customers and current markets. This section often reveals that a company is already selling to foreign customers without leaving its domestic market, for example through tourism.
  3. International experience. Countries already explored, previous contacts, distributors or partners, and certifications required to sell abroad.
  4. Organisational structure. Who could take responsibility for the international project and how much time they could dedicate to it.
  5. Financial capacity. Available resources for travel, product adaptation or promotional investment, and the sources of the company’s revenue.
  6. Communication channels and customer access. Website, social media, newsletter and catalogues. This usually includes a basic website audit covering indexing, page titles, meta descriptions, image alt text, versions in other languages and security.
  7. Preliminary Business Model Canvas. A concise business model outlining the value proposition and the customer segments the company could target abroad.
  8. SWOT analysis. The company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to internationalisation.
  9. Sustainability and gender equality. Environmental and social measures, as well as equality initiatives, which are increasingly valued by international customers and distributors.
  10. Reflection. The company’s objectives and underlying reasons for expanding abroad: diversifying risk, growing, increasing brand recognition or innovating.
  11. Final recommendations. Specific next steps and public-sector resources suited to the company.
  12. Conclusions. An overall assessment of the company’s export potential.

Checklist of what the Catalunya Exporta roadmap assesses: value proposition, resources, channels, SWOT analysis and recommendations.

Why internal reflection comes before market selection

Many companies begin their international journey by asking which country they should target. The Catalunya Exporta roadmap reverses this order, first asking what makes the company’s offering different and what resources it has available.

This reflection helps prevent common mistakes, such as entering a market without a translated website, sufficient stock or anyone on the team with time to dedicate to the project. It also helps turn what already works in the domestic market into a compelling export sales proposition. Once a business model has been validated at home, the challenge is no longer simply to “sell more abroad” but to “replicate abroad what already works at home”.

The Business Model Canvas and SWOT analysis are the two key tools in this phase. The first requires the company to articulate its value proposition in a clear sentence. The second brings potential risks to light, such as dependence on a small number of sales channels, rising raw material and logistics costs, or the risk of copycat products in digital markets.


What recommendations does the Catalunya Exporta roadmap typically include?

The Catalunya Exporta roadmap does not end with a diagnosis: it provides a way forward. Its recommendations often connect companies with the public and private ecosystem supporting exports, which is extensive in Catalonia:

  • ACCIÓ’s Internationalisation Voucher, which helps fund services such as an internationalisation plan, market research for priority countries, or the implementation of an export strategy through active sales prospecting carried out by expert advisers accredited by ACCIÓ.
  • ICEX Next, ICEX’s programme for structuring the international strategy of SMEs starting to export.
  • Chambers of commerce and business associations such as PIMEC, which offer training, trade missions and B2B networking events.
  • Enterprise Europe Network, which helps companies find partners, distributors and commercial agents in Europe.

These support schemes are complemented by practical recommendations, such as improving website visibility in other languages, preparing a B2B sales presentation in English, or identifying the two or three priority markets to target first.


How to get the most out of the Catalunya Exporta roadmap

The quality of the Catalunya Exporta roadmap depends largely on the information the company provides. The following tips can help:

  • Prepare your figures before the interview: revenue by channel, key customers and any previous international contacts.
  • Be realistic about your resources: team availability, budget and production capacity.
  • Involve senior management: exporting is a strategic decision and requires a clearly designated person in charge.
  • Set priorities: it is better to start with one or two carefully selected markets than to target ten at once.
  • Turn the document into an action plan, with deadlines, responsibilities and a budget, and review it again after a few months.

Frequently asked questions about the Catalunya Exporta roadmap

How much does the Catalunya Exporta roadmap cost?

Nothing. The service is free for the company because it is funded by ACCIÓ.

Who can apply?

It is intended for companies that do not yet export or are taking their first steps into international markets and want to establish a stable export activity.

How do you apply?

Through the Catalunya Exporta page on ACCIÓ’s website, selecting Foment del Treball as the organisation.


Take the first step: apply for a completely free Catalunya Exporta roadmap

Exporting is about more than increasing sales. It is a strategic decision that can diversify risk, strengthen your brand and open up new business opportunities. The Catalunya Exporta roadmap offers a free, structured way to get started.

If you are considering taking the next step, Barcelona Export can support you in preparing your roadmap and planning the steps that follow. Contact us.

The ICO Export Growth Line Is Back: Public Financing for SMEs Selling Abroad

The ICO Export Growth Line is a direct loan from the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) for Spanish SMEs with international activity, featuring a non-repayable component of up to 30% (maximum €200,000), an interest rate of Euribor + 0.75%, and a repayment period of up to 10 years. Its first call closed on 1 July 2026, and many companies missed out because they did not have enough time to prepare their applications.

If your company exports or imports and is feeling the impact of tariffs, the ICO Export Growth Line is probably one of the most interesting public financing opportunities of the year. In this article, we explain what the scheme is, who can apply, what it covers and how to prepare so you are ready in time for the next call.


What is the ICO Export Growth Line and why was it created?

The ICO Export Growth Line is a €750 million financing line launched on 9 February 2026 by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, through the Secretary of State for Trade and the ICO (official ICO announcement).

Its objective is to finance investment and modernisation projects carried out by SMEs affected by changes in the global tariff environment.

The key feature is its support component: €181 million from the Next Generation EU funds, which the ICO applies in two ways. One is a non-repayable component within the loan; the other is a partial interest-rate subsidy (La Moncloa).

Unlike ICO intermediary financing schemes, there is no need to apply through a bank: the application is submitted directly to the ICO, entirely online. This is an important difference for SMEs whose banks are reluctant to finance their exposure to markets affected by trade tensions.


List of the Conditions of the ICO Export Growth Loans

ICO Export Growth Line loan conditions

The following were the conditions of the 2026 call, according to the summary of the General Conditions Document published by Impulso and FEDA:

ItemCondition
Minimum amount€50,000
Maximum amountUp to 80% of the eligible investment
Interest rate1-year Euribor + 0.75% (100 basis-point subsidy)
Term5 to 10 years, with up to 2 years’ grace period
Non-repayable componentUp to 30% of the loan, with a maximum of €200,000
Arrangement fee0.5% of the contracted amount
Working capitalUp to 30% of the project, always linked to the investment
AllocationOn a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted

The non-repayable component is not paid out in cash: it is used to repay the final instalments of the loan if the relevant conditions are met.

The first-come, first-served allocation system therefore has a very practical implication: companies that have their application ready from day one have an advantage.


Requirements: who can apply for the ICO Export Growth Line?

The scheme is open to commercial companies that qualify as SMEs, have their registered office or business activity in Spain and have been operating for at least four years (ICO Online).

In addition, applicants must fall into one of the following two categories:

  • Directly affected: exporting or importing SMEs whose international activity represents more than 5% of their turnover.
  • Indirectly affected: relevant suppliers to Spanish companies in affected sectors, or SMEs integrated into global value chains (FER).

There is one requirement that excludes many companies: the accounts for the last two financial years must have been audited, either mandatorily or voluntarily.

If they have not been audited, this requirement can be offset by a guarantee: from an SGR covering 100% of the loan, a public guarantee covering at least 50%, or a bank guarantee covering at least 75%.


List of the Main Requirements of the ICO Export Growth Line

What expenses and investments does The ICO Export Growth Line finance?

The financing line prioritises investment in intangible assets, but covers a broad range of eligible expenditure:

  • Tangible assets: industrial premises, facilities, machinery, ICT equipment, industrial vehicles and renewable energy installations of up to 30 MWp.
  • Intangible assets: R&D, patents and designs, software, trademark registration, training and market research for new markets.
  • Business acquisitions or equity interests: to increase production capacity, secure supplies or facilitate business succession.
  • Working capital: up to 30% of the project.
  • Consulting and credit-rating services required to prepare the application, up to 100%.

For exporters, one of the most interesting aspects is what the non-repayable component covers. It includes 50% of the expenditure on international trade fairs and 50% of ICEX internationalisation services.

It also covers 10% of tangible investment by SMEs and 20% by microenterprises.


How to apply for the ICO Export Growth Line: step by step

  1. Check your eligibility. Calculate the percentage of your turnover generated internationally during the last financial year and gather the customs declarations (DUAs) or invoices that provide evidence.
  2. Review your financial statements. If they have not been audited, arrange a voluntary audit or start negotiating the required guarantee with an SGR (in Catalonia, for example, Avalis de Catalunya).
  3. Define your project. Describe the investment, target markets and how the project will reduce your exposure to tariffs.
  4. Do not start the investment too early. The ICO may require expenditure to be incurred after the application has been submitted in order to preserve the incentive effect of the financing.
  5. Submit the application through ICO Online using a digital certificate.
  6. Provide evidence of project implementation so that the non-repayable component can be applied.

Since funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it is advisable to have steps 1 to 3 completed before the application window opens.


An opportunity for exporting SMEs in Barcelona and Catalonia

Catalonia accounts for a significant share of Spain’s exports and has a strong industrial SME base in sectors such as chemicals, food, textiles, machinery and automotive.

Many of these companies sell to the United States or form part of the supply chains of major European groups — precisely the type of businesses this financing line aims to support.

For an SME based in Barcelona, Vallès or Baix Llobregat, the scheme is particularly relevant in three situations:

  • Diversifying markets when a key customer or country becomes more expensive due to tariffs.
  • Financing international trade fairs, with 50% of the expenditure covered by the non-repayable component.
  • Modernising production facilities to remain competitive on price against new competitors.

If you also use programmes from ACCIÓ or the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, check the total amount of public aid received. The ICO Export Growth Lineline is subject to the de minimis aid regime, meaning that all relevant aid received counts towards the applicable ceiling.


Frequently asked questions about the ICO Export Growth Line

How much non-repayable funding can I receive?
Up to 30% of the loan, with a maximum of €200,000 per transaction. It is applied to repay the final instalments of the loan.

Do I need to apply through my bank?
No. This is direct financing from the ICO and the application is submitted online. A bank is only involved if it provides a guarantee or co-finances the transaction.

What percentage of exports do I need?
More than 5% of the previous year’s turnover if the company is directly affected. Suppliers in affected sectors may qualify through the indirect route.

Can a self-employed person or a start-up apply?
No. The applicant must be a commercial company, qualify as an SME and have been operating for at least four years.

Can I finance my participation in an international trade fair?
Yes. The non-repayable component covers 50% of eligible expenditure on trade fairs.

How long can I apply for the financing?
The first call closed on 1 July 2026. Check the ICO website for the opening date of the next call: funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.


Conclusion: prepare before the funds run out

The ICO Export Growth Line combines three advantages that are difficult to find together: a low interest rate, a long repayment period and a non-repayable component.

For an exporting SME affected by tariffs, it can help finance market diversification, international trade fairs and modernisation projects that might otherwise be postponed.

The experience of the first call provides a clear lesson: the companies that are ready to apply are the ones that have their financial statements, guarantee and project prepared in advance.

At Barcelona Export, we support Catalan SMEs with their internationalisation strategies, from market selection to the preparation of financeable projects. Contact us and we will assess whether your company could qualify for this financing line.

International Trade Agreements: How to Leverage Them to Reduce Export Costs and Risks

In an increasingly globalized world, international trade has become a crucial driver of economic growth for both nations and businesses. One of the most effective mechanisms for facilitating this trade is the establishment of international trade agreements.

One of the fundamental pillars of international trade is international trade agreements.

These agreements, which may take the form of free trade agreements or bilateral and multilateral agreements, are designed to reduce trade barriers between countries and promote the exchange of goods and services. For exporters, they represent an invaluable opportunity to access foreign markets more efficiently and profitably. In this article, we will explore what international trade agreements are, how they work, and how exporters can leverage them to reduce costs, minimize risks, and expand their global reach.


Introduction: What Are International Trade Agreements and Why Do They Matter?

International trade agreements are treaties between two or more countries aimed at regulating and facilitating the trade of goods and services between their territories. Their purpose is to eliminate or reduce trade barriers such as tariffs, import quotas, regulations, and other restrictions that hinder the movement of goods across borders.

Trade agreements are essential for promoting economic exchange and creating a more open and competitive trading environment. They also provide numerous benefits for both governments and exporting and importing companies. For exporters, these agreements mean access to international markets under more favorable conditions, leading to increased sales opportunities and reduced operating costs.


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Types of International Trade Agreements

There are several types of trade agreements, varying in scope and the benefits they provide. The most common include:

1. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is an agreement between two or more countries designed to eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs and trade barriers on goods and services exchanged among the signatory countries. These agreements may also include provisions relating to intellectual property protection, labor standards, environmental regulations, and other key aspects necessary to ensure fair and sustainable trade.

FTAs enable exporting companies to access broader and more competitive markets without the limitations imposed by high tariffs or restrictive trade measures. Well-known examples include the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the former NAFTA, and the European Union–Japan Free Trade Agreement.

2. Bilateral Agreements

A bilateral agreement is a treaty between two countries establishing specific trading conditions for the exchange of goods and services. These agreements are generally less complex than FTAs because they involve only two countries, allowing for greater customization of trade terms.

Bilateral agreements typically focus on eliminating tariff barriers, reducing taxes on imports and exports, and improving conditions for foreign investment.

3. Multilateral Agreements

Unlike bilateral agreements, multilateral agreements involve several countries and seek to establish common trade rules among all signatories. These agreements tend to be more complex and cover a wider range of issues, from tariff reductions to the harmonization of labor and environmental regulations.

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which later evolved into the World Trade Organization (WTO), is a key example of a multilateral agreement. These agreements aim to promote global trade by reducing trade barriers and ensuring fair trading conditions worldwide.

4. Free Trade Areas

A Free Trade Area is a geographical region comprising several countries that have agreed to reduce or eliminate trade barriers among themselves. These areas allow for the free movement of goods and services within their territory.

A prime example is the European Union (EU), which, beyond being a free trade area, has also developed a Single Market where goods can move freely among member states.


Examples of Successful International Trade Agreements and Their Impact on Trade

International trade agreements have had a significant impact on global commerce by enabling exporters to access larger markets and reduce the costs associated with international trade. Some notable examples include:

1. The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)

Signed in 2020, the USMCA is one of the most important trade agreements in North America. It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and modernized trade rules in key areas such as digital trade, labor rights, and environmental protection.

For exporters, the USMCA offers several advantages, including the elimination of tariffs on key products, improved rules of origin for manufactured goods, and preferential access to a market of more than 500 million consumers. Companies exporting from Mexico, the United States, or Canada benefit from preferential access to all three markets without facing the high costs previously imposed on exports.

2. The European Union–Japan Free Trade Agreement

In 2019, the European Union and Japan signed a free trade agreement that eliminated tariffs on a wide range of products, including automobiles, agricultural goods, and electronics.

The agreement has been particularly beneficial for European companies exporting to Japan, allowing them to enter a highly competitive market without the trade barriers that previously existed. It has also simplified customs procedures and eliminated tariffs on numerous products, contributing to a significant increase in EU exports to Japan since its implementation.

3. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), signed in 2016 by 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is another major example of a trade agreement that has benefited exporters. Although the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2017, it remains highly relevant for the remaining signatories, covering a market that represents nearly 40% of the global economy.

The TPP has opened new opportunities for exporters, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, through tariff reductions and simplified customs procedures among participating nations.


acuerdos comerciales internacionales 2 acords comercials internacionals 2 international trade agreements 2 accords comerciaux internationaux 2

How to Leverage International Trade Agreements to Reduce Costs and Risks

Exporters can use international trade agreements to significantly reduce export costs and minimize the risks associated with international commerce. Some key strategies include:

  • Understand the rules of origin: To benefit from preferential tariffs, exporters must comply with the agreement’s rules of origin. These rules specify the required percentage of value added within the exporting country. Companies must fully understand these requirements to ensure their products qualify for preferential treatment.
  • Optimize the supply chain: International trade agreements can facilitate access to lower-cost materials and components sourced from other signatory countries, helping reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of exported products.
  • Take advantage of logistics improvements: Some trade agreements also provide logistical benefits, such as improved access to high-capacity ports or simplified customs procedures, reducing transportation costs and accelerating the export process.

Conclusion: The Importance of Staying Informed About International Trade Agreements

For exporters, understanding international trade agreements and how they work is essential to maximizing business opportunities and minimizing export-related costs. These agreements are powerful instruments that can open the door to new markets, reduce trade barriers, and enhance global competitiveness.

The key to taking full advantage of international trade agreements lies in understanding their rules and requirements, adapting business operations accordingly, and using them strategically to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and mitigate risks.

By staying well informed and properly prepared, exporters can maximize the benefits these agreements offer and achieve greater success in global trade.

At Barcelona Export, we can help you identify the most suitable markets and take advantage of trade agreements that facilitate the successful entry of your products into international markets.

How to Export Electronic Components and Automotive Technology to France

The French government has launched numerous initiatives to promote the transition towards electric vehicles through both fiscal incentives and policies that encourage research and the development of clean technologies. This has created strong demand for specialised electronic components that are essential to the manufacture of electric vehicles, ranging from batteries to energy management systems.

Electronic components play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency, performance, and safety of electric vehicles. These include battery management systems, power inverters, fast-charging systems, cooling systems, and power modules, among others. The French automotive industry is rapidly adopting these technologies, creating a highly promising market for international suppliers seeking to export their products.

Beyond electrification, vehicle digitalisation is also transforming the automotive industry. The widespread adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), intelligent navigation, 5G connectivity, and autonomous driving technologies is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. All of these innovations rely on sophisticated electronic components such as sensors, cameras, Electronic Control Units (ECUs), and microprocessors, which are fundamental to their operation.


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1. Opportunities for Exporting Electronic Components to France

The French automotive market offers significant opportunities for companies seeking to export advanced electronic components and automotive technologies. The following are some of the most promising areas for businesses looking to enter this sector.

a) Electric Powertrain Systems and Batteries

Electric vehicles require specialised electronic components that enable efficient energy management, fast charging capabilities, and battery optimisation. Companies manufacturing technologies such as fast battery chargers, power inverters, Battery Management Systems (BMS), and battery recycling solutions are likely to find a highly receptive market in France, where demand for these components continues to grow steadily.

b) Sensors and Autonomous Driving Technologies

Autonomous driving represents one of the most dynamic areas of innovation within the automotive sector, and France is making substantial investments in the development of self-driving vehicles. Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on sophisticated electronic components such as LiDAR sensors, high-definition cameras, radar systems, and data processing units. Suppliers offering these advanced technologies have significant opportunities to enter the French market and collaborate with vehicle manufacturers and technology companies engaged in autonomous mobility projects.

c) Connectivity and In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems

5G connectivity, advanced navigation systems, and in-vehicle infotainment technologies are becoming increasingly important features in modern vehicles. Companies producing electronic components such as communication modules, smart antenna systems, touchscreen displays, and data processors for these applications have considerable growth potential in the French market, which is rapidly embracing these technologies.

d) Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and parking assistance technologies, require highly precise and reliable electronic components. France is at the forefront of adopting these technologies in new vehicle models, creating valuable opportunities for manufacturers of the sensors, cameras, and control units required to support these systems.


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2. Regulations and Standards in France: Entering the Automotive Electronics Market

Before exporting electronic components and advanced technologies to France, it is essential to understand the local regulatory framework governing the automotive industry. As a member of the European Union, France applies European regulations covering electronic components and vehicle safety systems.

One of the key regulations exporters must consider is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which affects connected vehicle systems and the collection and processing of user data. In addition, stringent vehicle safety and emissions regulations apply, meaning that electronic components must comply with European Union standards before they can be marketed within the country.


3. Strategies for Exporting Electronic Components to France

To succeed in the French automotive market, companies should adopt a robust market entry strategy. Key recommendations include:

  • Establishing strategic partnerships with local vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, and research and development organisations.
  • Ensuring quality certification and full compliance with European regulations so that products meet all applicable market requirements.
  • Adapting products to the specific needs of the French market, which may involve modifications to the design and functionality of electronic components.
  • Participating in specialised automotive technology trade fairs and exhibitions, such as the Paris Motor Show, to showcase innovation and establish valuable business relationships.

4. Conclusion

The French automotive market offers substantial opportunities for the export of advanced electronic components and technologies. As the industry continues its transformation towards electrification, autonomous driving, and digital connectivity, demand for sophisticated electronic components is increasing rapidly.

Companies seeking to capitalise on these opportunities must ensure compliance with European regulations, establish strong partnerships with local stakeholders, and deliver products that support innovation and sustainability across the automotive industry.

France represents a strategic market for exporters of electronic components seeking to position themselves at the forefront of the future of mobility and the next generation of automotive technologies.

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