US Slaps $200,000 Fee on Spanish Ships in Olive Oil Trade War
Washington targets Spanish cargo vessels with a $200,000 fee amid escalating tensions over Gaza and Iran policies.
The US has threatened to impose a $200,000 fee on Spanish cargo ships docking at its ports, escalating a trade dispute over Spain’s refusal to support Washington’s military actions in Gaza and Iran. The move, proposed by the Federal Maritime Commission, targets Spain’s largest exports, including olive oil, and follows Madrid’s denial of US vessels carrying Gaza-related goods in 2024.
The proposed fee stems from Spain’s decision to block three US-flagged ships from docking at its ports in 2024. The vessels were carrying goods linked to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which Spain deemed a violation of its national and EU laws on defence and dual-use commodities. The US Federal Maritime Commission accused Spain of creating an “unfavourable shipping environment” for American commercial vessels, setting the stage for retaliatory measures.
Why Spain’s Stance on Gaza Triggered US Sanctions
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal in his opposition to US and Israeli actions in the region. In a statement, he declared Spain would not be “complicit in a war” he described as “dangerous and against international law”, comparing it to “Russian roulette with millions of innocent lives”. Sánchez also refused a US request to use Spain’s Rota and Morón military bases for attacks against Iran and closed Spanish airspace to war-related operations.
“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.”
Pedro Sánchez·Prime Minister of Spain
What the $200,000 Fee Means for Spanish Exports
The proposed $200,000 fee per Spanish cargo ship is subject to a two-month public consultation period before implementation. The tariffs would also extend to ceramics and cosmetics, two other major Spanish exports to the US.
The dispute marks the first major trade action against Spain since former US Donald Trump warned Madrid over its stance on the Gaza conflict and the Iran war. Spain has vowed to defend its national interests, working closely with the European Union to assess the implications of the US measures.
El Gobierno español analizará las alegaciones presentadas durante el periodo de consulta pública, que concluye en dos meses. Posteriormente, la Comisión Europea evaluará las medidas junto a España para determinar posibles acciones coordinadas, con un informe preliminar previsto antes de finales de año.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
