In a global context marked by geopolitical volatility, business internationalization remains a fundamental pillar for the survival and growth of companies, especially SMEs. Pablo de Ramón-Laca, Cesce's Executive Chairman, stresses that expanding business beyond national borders not only increases turnover but also allows access to new markets and strengthens the company.
Ramón-Laca points out the necessity for companies, particularly SMEs with limited resources, to be well-informed about global events to identify both opportunities and threats. Cesce offers expert advice and tools, including surety and credit insurance, to facilitate this expansion into foreign markets.
Cesce's Southern Territorial Directorate, with offices in Seville, Málaga, and the Canary Islands, covers all of Andalusia, Extremadura, and the Canary Islands. Málaga, noted for its economic and technological dynamism, has numerous Cesce clients. The company insures 6 billion euros in sales for nearly 3,000 clients in Andalusia, with a strategic plan focused on SME growth in the region.
Credit insurance, according to Ramón-Laca, helps SMEs free up treasury capital tied up in self-insurance, allowing for reinvestment in growth and the exploitation of economies of scale. This social function of credit insurance is crucial for improving productivity in Spain.
Currently, defaults and claims are contained, with rates at 38% this year, thanks to improved credit analysis and the use of artificial intelligence for prevention. Cesce anticipates a normalization of claims, preparing for potential increases stemming from international conflicts.
Ramón-Laca asserts that geopolitical uncertainty can be a manageable risk. He cites the unilateral increase in tariffs by the United States as an example, which, despite affecting exports to that country, did not prevent overall growth in Spanish exports due to diversification into other markets.
Companies are encouraged to diversify markets, leveraging opportunities in Mercosur, particularly in the agri-food sector, and in India for the aerospace sector. The European internal market, with its tariff-free barriers, remains a key driver for Spanish exports.
The central scenario for the Spanish economy in the second half of 2026 is sustained growth, exceeding the European average, driven by the competitiveness of Spanish companies. This increased dependence on trading partners is mitigated by diversification.
The establishment of internationalization departments in medium and large companies is a positive trend. Cesce prioritizes convincing SMEs of their export potential, offering advice to overcome barriers and seize opportunities.
Regarding Trump's tariffs, Cesce managed 129 operations worth 255 million euros for Spanish companies. In Andalusia, state-backed exporting companies represent 1.3% of the total, indicating strong intrinsic competitiveness and less need for state support in sectors like technology, agri-food, and tourism.
Cesce identifies Africa and Latin America as regions of great potential but also high political risk. Volatility in sub-Saharan Africa and legal insecurity in Latin America make it crucial to insure projects in these areas.
To Andalusian SMEs considering internationalization, Ramón-Laca advises them to 'believe in themselves,' highlighting the competitiveness and adaptability of the Spanish private sector after years of restructuring and debt reduction.
