Business · Trade · 6 hrs ago
US proposes fees on Spanish ships and import restrictions
The US Federal Maritime Commission proposed a $200,000 fee per trip for Spanish-flagged ships using US ports, along with possible restrictions on some Spanish imports.
The agency says its investigation found that Spain denied US-flagged vessels access to its ports, creating unfair conditions for US maritime trade.
The investigation began in December 2024 after the agency was told that Spain had turned away at least three US vessels linked to a US maritime security program.
One case involved a US-flagged ship carrying cargo toward the Middle East that was refused entry to Algeciras in November 2024.
The proposed import restrictions could cover perfume and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, and some stone- and sugar-related products.
Spain says the dispute concerns EU-US trade relations and that it will defend its interests alongside the European Commission and EU member states.
The proposal will go through public consultation, and Spain will be able to present its arguments before the commission decides what action to take.
The US Federal Maritime Commission has proposed a fee of $200,000 per voyage for Spanish-flagged ships operating in connection with US ports.
The proposal also includes import restrictions on Spanish products such as cosmetics, oils, ceramics, stone goods, sugar and confectionery.
The commission says Spain denied US-flagged vessels access to Spanish ports, creating unfavorable conditions for US maritime trade.
Spain says the issue concerns trade relations between the United States and the European Union and will defend its interests with the European Commission and member states.
The measures are not final; the FMC is seeking public comment before deciding what action to take.
- Who
- The US Federal Maritime Commission proposed the measures; Spain is the country targeted.
- What
- The proposal would charge Spanish-flagged ships $200,000 per voyage and restrict imports of certain Spanish products.
- When
- The proposal was announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed measures concern Spanish-flagged vessels operating in relation to US ports and imports into the United States.
- Why
- The FMC says Spain denied US-flagged vessels access to its ports, creating unfavorable conditions for US maritime trade.
US Federal Maritime Commission
Spanish government
Access to ports
US Federal Maritime Commission
The FMC says Spanish authorities denied US-flagged vessels access to Spanish ports, creating unfavorable conditions for maritime trade.
Spanish government
Spain says it will defend its commercial interests in coordination with the European Commission and EU member states.
Proposed response
US Federal Maritime Commission
The FMC proposes a $200,000 fee per voyage for Spanish-flagged ships and restrictions on some Spanish imports.
Spanish government
Spain says the issue belongs within EU-US trade relations and wants to preserve constructive commercial ties.
Spain denied port access to three US vessels in the Maritime Security Program, according to El Mundo.
The Federal Maritime Commission opened an investigation into Spain’s port practices.
The FMC announced proposed fees on Spanish-flagged ships and possible restrictions on Spanish imports.
The proposal is to undergo public consultation before the FMC decides what response to adopt.
- Proposed ship fee
- $200,000 per voyage
- Proposed product categories
- Perfumes and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, stone goods, sugar and confectionery
- Investigation opened
- December 2024
- Vessel cited
- Maersk Denver
- Port cited
- Algeciras
- Consultation period
- 60 days, according to El Mundo
5 sources
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What people are saying
pruebas concluyentes
sus intereses y los de sus empresas, en coordinación con la Comisión Europea y los Estados miembros
en el respeto mutuo
Debemos seguir trabajando para preservar unas relaciones comerciales fluidas y constructivas