American Businesses In Spain Push Back On Trump's Tariff Plan, Citing Trade Deficit

American businesses operating in Spain are raising concerns about President Donald Trump's proposed reciprocal tariffs, arguing that Spain's unique trade relationship with the U.S. should be taken into account. The American Chamber of Commerce in Spain has urged the administration to recognize that Spain imports more from the U.S. than it exports, unlike the European Union as a whole.

U.S. Companies in Spain Seek Special Consideration

AmChamSpain recently sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, requesting that Spain be treated differently when establishing new tariffs, according to Reuters. The group emphasized that Spain imported 28.1 billion euros ($30 billion) worth of American goods in 2024, while exporting only 18.1 billion euros ($19 billion) in products like olive oil, wine, and petrochemicals to the U.S.

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“AmChamSpain urges the U.S. administration to consider this different reality when establishing new tariffs,” the organization told Reuters. The chamber called for diplomatic dialogue to prevent trade retaliation and reduce uncertainty for businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Trump's Reciprocal Tariff Plan

Trump has ordered an investigation into new reciprocal tariffs, arguing that countries imposing tariffs on U.S. goods should face equivalent duties in return. “They charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact same,” Trump told reporters earlier this month The administration is also considering the impact of value-added taxes, which Trump has described as more punitive than traditional tariffs.

Then-Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick said the tariff investigation would be completed by April 1, after which Trump will decide on the measures to implement.

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Potential Economic Impact

While the administration argues that reciprocal tariffs will promote fairer trade, critics warn they could escalate into a broader trade war. Economists note that tariffs often increase costs for businesses and consumers. Importers paying higher duties may pass those costs to retailers, ultimately leading to higher prices for everyday goods.

The European Commission has pushed back on Trump's tariff proposal, saying that the EU already imposes some of the world’s lowest tariffs, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, trade experts have cautioned that the plan could affect industries reliant on international supply chains, such as pharmaceuticals and automotive manufacturing.

Seeking a Diplomatic Resolution

AmChamSpain's plea highlights the challenges of applying broad trade policies without considering country-specific dynamics. The organization hopes that U.S. officials will acknowledge Spain's trade deficit with the U.S. and work toward a solution that avoids economic disruption.

As the Trump administration moves forward with its tariff review, businesses in Spain and across the EU remain wary of potential economic consequences. Whether the U.S. will exempt Spain or negotiate alternative trade terms remains to be seen.

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