FMC proposes fees on Spanish-flagged vessels, import restrictions

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The Federal Maritime Commission is proposing a fee on Spanish-flagged vessels and restricting imports of certain Spanish goods, according to an Oct. 14 press release.

The fee would be $200,000 per voyage. Imports facing possible restriction include perfumery and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, articles of stone, and sugar and confectionaries. The FMC is still considering which imports it may choose to broadly limit, impose target limitations or to limit only certain or a combined list of the trade categories mentioned, according to an FMC docket.

“Proposed import restrictions merely restrict Spanish goods from import, but limited Spanish imports are expected to mostly be replaced by similar goods from other nations,” per the docket.

The agency initiated an investigation in 2024 and found that Spain had denied U.S.-flagged vessels access to its ports, which created unfavorable shipping conditions, per the release. The FMC said these unfavorable conditions make it difficult for the agency to “promote the growth and development of U.S. exports, encourage the development of a liner fleet of U.S. vessels capable of meeting national security needs and supporting commerce, and supporting the U.S. merchant marine.”

The agency said it found evidence that two Maersk vessels transporting cargo under the United States Maritime Security Program, or MSP, were denied access to Spanish ports, per the docket.

“The exclusion of MSP vessels, vessels necessary for the national defense and the domestic and foreign commerce of the United States, prevents these vessels from providing shipping services essential for maintaining waterborne domestic and foreign commerce, especially when called upon to serve as naval and military auxiliary vessels in a time of national emergency,” the FMC said.

Per the docket, Spain has cited European Union regulations as the basis for these port refusals.

The FMC is seeking public comment on its proposal of fees and import restrictions to help decide the appropriate remedy for the conditions the agency said Spain has created. The comment period ends on Dec. 14 and Spain will also be given an opportunity for a hearing on this matter, the agency said.

The agency’s actions come during a time when Spain and U.S. relations face tension. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump said, “Cut off all trade with Spain, please,” during a NATO summit, according to a video published by Reuters. Trump had criticized the country for falling short on NATO defense spending.