Donald Trump’s administration is preparing an unprecedented trade embargo against its NATO partner, Spain. Relevant agencies have already begun compiling sanction lists.
In the coming days, the Treasury, the Commerce Department, and the US Trade Representative are expected to introduce to the president a “menu of Spanish goods” that could be subject to a ban. The White House’s sharp démarche risks triggering a full‑blown trade war with the entire European Union. Indeed, imposing an embargo on an EU nation would effectively undo last year’s trade agreement between Washington and Brussels.
The reason for the radical economic measures is Trump’s dissatisfaction with Madrid’s financial contributions to the North Atlantic alliance. On the eve of the announcement, the US leader called to freeze official visits and completely cut off economic ties with the allied country.
“Spain is a lost cause. They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Stop all trade with Spain,” the US president concluded.
