Global economic and trade outlook (February 2026)
While there are signs of moderate recovery in production, rising production costs with increases in industrial metals and energy are emerging as a critical factor. This combination of fragile demand and inflationary pressures will require close monitoring and adaptability on the part of internationalized industrial companies. Global manufacturing activity: moderate recovery with reservations The global […]
Brazil launches comprehensive VAT reform
Brazil is implementing a structural reform of its indirect taxation system aimed at simplifying the current model, reducing territorial distortions and aligning it with international best practices in consumption taxation. The reform replaces the previous system (based on multiple federal, state and municipal taxes with heterogeneous rules and fiscal accumulation) with a more homogeneous, non-cumulative […]
The roadmap to strengthen European industry
The European Commission has published the Annual Report on the Single Market and Competitiveness 2026. The document identifies four strategic initiatives to remove structural barriers, boost European industrial capacity and strengthen the EU’s competitive position. European industry faces unprecedented challenges. The labor productivity gap with the United States persists at around 20%, mainly due to […]
Brussels strengthens regulatory adjustments on plastics and packaging
The European Commission publishes new regulations and advances in the interpretation of the framework applicable to food contact materials and packaging. The measures affect bisphenol A, food plastics and the future development of the Packaging and Waste Regulation. Food contact – bisphenol A and plastics The European Commission has published two regulations clarifying the application […]
ICO Growth Exporters
This line of financing is aimed at improving access to credit for SMEs affected by changes in the global tariff environment, boosting business investment, especially in intangible assets, and strengthening their capacity for growth and internationalization. Dates No expiration date. Beneficiaries The beneficiaries may be small and medium-sized companies that take the form of a […]
A world of modest growth in a complex environment
UNCTAD describes an environment where countries are less able to respond to economic shocks, which increases potential volatility. For export-dependent companies, this means we need to be prepared for rapid adjustments. The environment described in the latest UNCTAD report is not catastrophic, but it is not easy either. It is one that will reward strategy, […]
EU proposes new package of sanctions against Russia
The European Commission presents the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which extends restrictions in the areas of energy, financial services and trade, as well as additional measures to prevent circumvention of sanctions. The 20th sanctions package is currently being proposed by the European Commission. To enter into force, the measures must be formally approved […]
Grants for digitalization projects for SMEs (C. Valenciana)
Grants to improve the competitiveness of industrial and industrial services SMEs through the implementation of advanced digitalization solutions. Dates The application period will be open from January 15, 2026 to March 3, 2026, inclusive. Beneficiaries Small and medium-sized companies that have their head office or a productive establishment in the Valencian Community at the time […]
AI in packaging machinery as a competitive requirement
AI is transforming the packaging industry with significant advances in knowledge transfer, quality inspection, predictive maintenance and regulatory compliance. For machine builders, integrating AI capabilities has become a basic requirement. We analyzed the report “Building an AI Advantage in Packaging Equipment”, published by PMMI (Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies), based on interviews with experts […]
India redefines its priorities in the textile industry
The Government of India has presented its General Budget 2026-2027, in which the textile sector occupies a prominent position within the industrial strategy. The 2026-2027 Budget outlines a scenario in which advanced fibers, technical textiles, cluster modernization, mega industrial parks and sustainability concentrate the main public efforts. This framework redefines the areas where industrial and […]