Actualizado
Donald Trump recently issued strong threats to Spain, warning that the country could “pay double” if it continues to refuse to allocate more than 2% of its GDP to defense . Trump stated, “The economy is doing very well. However, that economy could collapse completely if something bad happens. We are negotiating a trade agreement with Spain, and I will make them pay double,” he emphasized.
Understanding the Impact of Trump’s Threats
Despite Trump’s vague language, it appears he was referring to the possibility of imposing specific tariffs on goods imported into the United States from Spain. The U.S. cannot arbitrarily tax all imports from Spain; however, it can target specific products. Judith Arnal, a leading researcher at the Real Instituto Elcano and the Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS), explains that while the U.S. cannot discriminate against EU countries without justification, it can impose higher tariffs on specific products from a given country, just as it did previously with Spanish olives and French wine.
What Could Be Affected?
While the U.S. cannot impose indiscriminate tariffs, it could target specific sectors of Spanish exports. Such actions would not only escalate trade tensions but could also have serious effects on the Spanish economy . If Trump does decide to impose tariffs, products such as machinery , electrical appliances , and pharmaceuticals may be at risk, given their importance in bilateral trade .
The Trade Balance: Spain and the U.S.
Spain currently has a trade deficit with the United States, meaning it imports more than it exports. In the first four months of this year, the trade deficit rose to €5.173 billion , a significant increase from €3.590 billion during the same period last year, according to the Spanish Ministry of Economy. Exports have decreased by 1.8% , while imports jumped by 15.6% . This trend continues, as in April, the first month with tariffs in effect, sales to the U.S. plummeted by 13.8% .
Major Exports to the U.S.
Spain’s main exports to the United States include machinery and mechanical devices , which accounted for €2.51 billion in 2024. Other significant exports include electrical appliances ( €1.503 billion ), animal and vegetable fats ( €1.246 billion ), fuels and mineral oils ( €1.218 billion ), and pharmaceutical products ( €1.095 billion ).
Previous Tariffs from the U.S.
If the U.S. decides to reimpose tariffs against Spain, it would not be the first instance. In 2021 , due to Spain’s implementation of the ‘Google Tax’, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on a range of 36 Spanish products, including footwear , cephalopods , hats, and glassware.
Spanish Government Response to Trump’s Threats
In response to Trump’s statements, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez remarked that “Spain is always the solution, never the problem. We provide solutions,” denying having met with Trump during the NATO summit. He reiterated, “Everyone knows Spain’s commitment to NATO, which is marked by trust and predictability.” Following Trump’s recent threats, Minister Carlos Cuerpo refrained from making comments and focused the discussion on the need for continued negotiations with the EU. “For us, it’s crucial in this bilateral relationship to continue advancing towards a fair and balanced agreement,” he added.