The U.S. shipping regulator has drafted heavy penalties against Spanish vessels entering American ports, paired with sweeping restrictions on billions of dollars-worth of Spanish imports.
The American retaliatory tariffs come in response to Madrid’s decision made in 2024 denying port access to U.S. vessels carrying military cargo bound for Israel. Trump administration had threatened to sever trade ties with Madrid over geopolitics, NATO spending, and defense policy.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is proposing $200,000 fees on all Spanish-flagged vessels entering American ports, along with restrictions on billions of dollars in Spanish imports, after concluding that Spain’s refusal to admit certain U.S.-flagged ships has created unfavorable conditions for American maritime shipping.
The trade penalties stem from a multi-year investigation into Spain’s permanent arms embargo, under which Madrid denied port entry to U.S. commercial cargo ships carrying military goods or fuel bound for Israel. The FMC concluded that Spain’s actions unfairly discriminated against American vessels.
Following a nearly two-year investigation, the FMC said it had found conclusive evidence that Spain’s restrictions had forced U.S.-flagged vessels to divert to Morocco and largely abandon calls in Spain.
The proposed measures include a $200,000 fee each time a Spanish-flagged vessel enters a U.S. port from abroad, as well as potential restrictions on imports of Spanish cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, stone products, and sugar and confectionery. These targeted sectors accounted for approximately $3.1 billion in U.S. imports from Spain in 2025. Olive oil alone represented nearly $837 million.
In 2025, the FMC said it was considering fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage, cargo restrictions and possible denial of entry to Spanish-flagged vessels.
The Commission has now narrowed its proposed vessel fee to $200,000 per voyage while identifying specific categories of Spanish goods that could face import restrictions.
The U.S. trade measures against Spain are not yet in force and are subject to a 60-day public comment period. Spain’s government said on Wednesday it was analyzing the FMC’s conclusions and the possible implications of the proposed measures, and will “defend its interests and those of its companies, in coordination with the European Commission and the member states.”
Madrid said it remained committed to a strong economic and trade relationship with the United States.