Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of April 23, 2026, from ICEX Spain Exports and Investments, E.P.E., publishing the Agreement with ASCER for the execution of an international promotion campaign for the ceramic sector for the year 2026 |
|---|---|
| Publication | May 4, 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified |
| Affected parties | Spanish tile and ceramic flooring manufacturers, especially exporters |
| Category | Grants and Subsidies |
| Year | 2026 |
| Signatory parties | ICEX Spain Exports and Investments, E.P.E. and ASCER (Spanish Association of Tile and Ceramic Flooring Manufacturers) |
Spanish ceramic manufacturers and exporters have concrete institutional support this year: ICEX and ASCER have formalized an agreement to finance and execute international promotion actions for the sector during 2026. The Resolution of April 23, 2026, published in the BOE on May 4, provides legal coverage for this agreement.
This is not a direct subsidy to individual companies. The mechanism is different: funds go to the sectoral association, which executes them for the collective benefit of the sector through campaigns, presence at trade fairs and commercial missions abroad.
What does this regulation establish?
The agreement establishes the framework by which ICEX transfers public funds to ASCER so that it executes an international promotion campaign for the Spanish ceramic sector during the 2026 fiscal year. The planned actions include:
- Marketing campaigns in foreign markets
- Participation in international sector trade fairs
- Commercial missions to priority destinations
In return, ASCER assumes two main obligations: justify the spending incurred and certify compliance with the objectives set out in the agreement. This model is standard in external promotion agreements with public funds.
The agreement does not modify or repeal any previous regulation: it is an instrument of public-private collaboration for the 2026 fiscal year, framed within the ordinary activity of ICEX as a public business entity supporting internationalization.
Economic and operational impact
The impact for companies in the sector is indirect but tangible. There is no disbursement or bureaucratic management by individual manufacturers: the benefit comes through the greater visibility generated by the campaign in foreign markets.
For the Spanish ceramic sector, which faces intense international competition (especially from Asian producers and other European countries), institutional support for external promotion is a differentiating factor in attracting international customers and distributors.
Companies in the Comunitat Valenciana are the main beneficiaries, as they concentrate the majority of Spanish ceramic production. Presence at international trade fairs and country-brand image campaigns strengthen the positioning of Spanish products against competitors with lower production costs.
From an operational perspective, the agreement does not generate direct obligations for companies. The administrative burden falls on ASCER, which must manage the execution of spending and justification to ICEX.
Who does it affect?
- Spanish tile and ceramic flooring manufacturers that export or intend to export in 2026
- Companies in the Comunitat Valenciana in the ceramic sector, as the productive core of the sector
- ASCER as the executing entity, with obligations to justify and meet objectives before ICEX
- Distributors and commercial agents in the sector that participate in the promotion actions organized
- Companies that participate in international trade fairs channeled through ASCER under this agreement
Practical example
A ceramic flooring manufacturer in Castellón, associated with ASCER, wants to expand its presence in the German market and the Middle East market in 2026.
Without this agreement, it would have to fully assume the costs of participating in international trade fairs such as Cersaie (Italy) or The Big 5 (Dubai): registration, stand, travel and promotional materials. With the agreement in place, ASCER can organize a collective participation of the sector in these fairs, reducing the individual cost for each participating company and amplifying the impact of Spanish presence.
Additionally, external marketing campaigns financed by the agreement generate brand awareness for the entire Spanish ceramic sector, making it easier for international buyers to identify and seek Spanish suppliers, benefiting all manufacturers in the sector regardless of their size.
The concrete step for this company is to contact ASCER to learn about the schedule of planned actions in 2026 and participation criteria.
What should companies do now?
- Verify membership in ASCER: Access to promotion actions is channeled through the association. If your company manufactures tiles or ceramic flooring and is not a member, evaluate whether membership makes sense based on your export volume.
- Contact ASCER to learn about the 2026 action plan: Request the calendar of international trade fairs, commercial missions and campaigns planned under this agreement to plan your participation in advance.
- Plan participation in trade fairs with time: International ceramic sector trade fairs require preparation of materials, samples and meeting schedules. The sooner you confirm your participation, the better positioning you will get in the collective stand.
- Align your export strategy with the target markets of the agreement: Once you know the priority markets for the campaign, assess whether they align with your business objectives to maximize the return on collective actions.
- Follow ASCER's communication: The association will publish the results of the actions and calls for participation. Stay informed of their communication channels so you don't miss deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ICEX-ASCER 2026 agreement and what does it imply for tile manufacturers?
It is an agreement by which ICEX channels public funds to ASCER to finance international promotion actions for the ceramic sector in 2026: external marketing campaigns, participation in international trade fairs and commercial missions. Manufacturers associated with ASCER benefit indirectly from greater visibility in foreign markets.
What obligations does ASCER have with this agreement?
ASCER must justify the spending incurred and certify compliance with the objectives set out in the agreement. These are the usual conditions in agreements of this type with public funds.
What companies benefit from this agreement?
Mainly Spanish tile and ceramic flooring manufacturers that export, with special relevance for companies in the Comunitat Valenciana, where most of the sector is concentrated.
When does this agreement enter into force?
The resolution was published on May 4, 2026. The date of entry into force is not specified in the published regulation, although the agreement is aimed at actions during the 2026 fiscal year.
How can a ceramic company take advantage of this agreement?
Companies do not access the agreement directly, but through ASCER. If you are a ceramic manufacturer or exporter, contact ASCER to learn about the promotion actions planned for 2026 (trade fairs, commercial missions, campaigns) and how to participate in them.
Official source
View complete regulation at official sourceNotice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-9693