U.S. Threatens Sanctions On Spanish Shipping & Olive Oil Imports Amid Trade Dispute

Spanish cargo ships arriving at U.S. ports may have to pay a whopping fee of $200,000 in a recent U.S. Federal Maritime Commission move aimed at reducing Spanish imports, especially the largest-selling commodity, i.e extra virgin olive oil.

Officials related to the matter said that the U.S. decision to limit trade ties with Spain comes after it denied three U.S. ships carrying goods related to the Israeli war in Gaza in 2024 from docking at its ports.

Spain responded that it was following its national, international, and European Union laws regarding defense and dual-use commodities that can have military usage.

The tariffs would also cover other goods such as ceramics and cosmetics, which constitute the biggest Spanish exports to the United States, other than oil. The fee has not been imposed yet, as it is subject to public opinion for two months.

The trade policies against Spain are the first such measures since U.S. President Donald Trump first warned Madrid over its stance on the Israeli campaign in Gaza and also the Iran war, which began after the U.S. and Israel attacked the Islamic Republic.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has opposed the U.S. and Israeli action against Iran, calling it illegal and summarising the country’s position as ‘No to the War’.

He also denied a U.S. request to use the military bases of Rota and Morón in the southern part of the country for launching attacks against Iran and also closed the airspace for war-related operations.

P.M. Sánchez clarified that Spain would not be complicit in a war which he called dangerous and against international law and U.N. mandates, adding that it is like playing ‘Russian roulette’ with millions of innocent lives.

The Federal Maritime Commission said that Spain created an unfavourable shipping environment for U.S-flagged commercial vessels.

Spanish government said that it is looking at the potential implications of the proposed U.S. measures and would take the necessary steps to defend its national interests, after discussions with the EU and other member nations on the matter.