Apply to Join U.S. Department of Commerce Minority-Business Focused Trade Mission to Italy, Spain and Portugal

Ready to expand your business through new export sales? Small and medium-sized minority-owned firms, as well as companies with a strong diversity and inclusion component, are the focus of the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Focused Trade Mission to Southwestern Europe: Italy, Spain and Portugal, May 15-22, 2022. The mission will center on four high-growth industry sectors: information technology, renewable energy, environmental technologies, and safety and security.

“This mission is a cost-effective way for U.S. participants to meet vetted potential  business partners in key European markets,” says Tanya Cole, Principal Commercial Officer with the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Milan, Italy. “A large segment of these potential partners is family-owned smaller firms and multi-million dollar companies, creating an ideal venue for U.S. minority-owned and other firms looking to develop personalized, long-term relationships.” 

Italy, Spain and Portugal are part of the 27-member countries of the European Union (EU) which represents the United States’ largest export market with 450-plus million consumers. These countries offer opportunities in sectors where new regulations or programs are creating demand. U.S. products are highly competitive, and American firms are renowned for after-the-sale service. Altogether, Italy, Spain and Portugal often serve as platforms for U.S. businesses looking to sell to the broader EU market, as well as to Africa and the Middle East. In 2021, U.S exports to the EU alone totaled $271.6 billion.

Face-to-Face Networking and Personalized U.S. Commercial Service Support

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade and investment promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). With a network of 100+ offices across the U.S. and in American embassies and consulates in more than 75 international markets. Our trade professionals have an in-depth knowledge of their respective markets and deep connections to their local business communities. Businesses on the trade mission will benefit from a full slate of partnering opportunities and support, including:

• Pre-arranged, one-on-one matchmaking meetings with pre-vetted foreign partners customized to the needs of individual mission participants in all three countries. 

• Networking venues with local Chambers of Commerce and Industrial Association representatives who may be interested in partnering to buy or invest in your product or service.

• Ongoing support before, during, and after the mission from U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals. The mission will include market briefings, interpretation when needed, and follow-up export assistance by our trade experts working in tandem with our U.S. Commercial Service domestic network. 

A brief sampling of industry opportunities in Italy, Spain and Portugal:

• IT Sector – Italy’s digital transformation is a top priority for Italian companies and government agencies, with the Italian government planning to spend more than USD 45.18 billion through its National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

• Environmental Technologies – Spain’s investment in energy, climate, and transportation research and innovation will increase considerably in the coming years to almost USD 300 billion through 2030 to meet mid-term climate goals, 20 percent of which will be public sector investments.

• Renewable Energy – Portugal’s National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 and roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 targets at least 80 percent of electricity production coming from renewables. This green transition is partly funded by EU funds via investments totaling USD 3 billion.

• Safety and Security – Spain has the fifth-largest security equipment industry market in Europe. Strong growth opportunities include access control and identity management, communications equipment, data analytics and storage, fire equipment for prevention, and risk management services,

Information on Applying for the Trade Mission

The trade mission is best suited to U.S. minority-owned firms with some level of export experience or are new-to-export with a strong product and success selling in the domestic U.S market. Consideration will be given to all export-ready firms that meet the criteria for participation. The deadline for application is March 25, 2022. For more details, including eligibility and participation fee, view our website or contact your local U.S. Commercial Service office. 

You can learn more about these opportunities below!