Ponce approves 10% tax break for Hecho en Puerto Rico firms
The Hecho en Puerto Rico Association announced that the city of Ponce has approved a municipal ordinance granting a 10% tax incentive to all active member companies operating in or planning to enter the municipality.
The measure, known as Hecho en Ponce, provides financial relief through reduced municipal license fees, construction taxes and property tax contributions.
Trade group officials said the ordinance aligns with Ponce Invest, a component of the city’s broader Ponce Onboarding economic development strategy. The new benefit complements existing incentives for targeted industries, development zones and underutilized properties. Combined, eligible companies may receive up to 75% in total tax exemptions.
“This achievement is the result of direct collaboration between Hecho en Puerto Rico and the Municipality of Ponce,” said Mateo Cidre, president of Hecho en Puerto Rico.
“We thank the mayor and her team for recognizing the value of our businesses and taking real steps to support them,” he said. “We encourage other municipalities to follow this example and help strengthen local economies through local enterprise.”
The incentive applies only to companies that hold active membership in the association and manufacture products or provide services within Ponce’s city limits. The group said the initiative is not a private agreement but a formal ordinance promoted by the association and adopted by municipal leaders.
“With this type of incentive, we’re working to revitalize Ponce’s economy, attract new investment, create jobs, and most importantly, promote local entrepreneurship,” said Jean Paul González-Santini, the city’s economic development director.
Ponce Mayor Marlese A. Sifre-Rodríguez said the administration aims to support Puerto Rican-made goods and foster an environment where local firms can grow.
“Our administration firmly believes in supporting products and services made in Puerto Rico, and in building an environment where our companies can grow, innovate and compete from right here in our city,” she said.
The ordinance reinforces public-private collaboration efforts focused on strengthening Puerto Rico’s local business ecosystem and highlights the value of products and services certified with the Hecho en Puerto Rico quality seal.
