Threatening again? Trump: Will cut off trade relations with Spain

Caixin News, March 12 (Editor: Bian Chun) — According to reports from CCTV News and other media, U.S. President Donald Trump stated at the White House on March 11 that the Spanish government “completely did not cooperate” and criticized its lack of responsibility in NATO affairs.

Trump said that the Spanish government “did very poorly,” and did not rule out cutting off trade with Spain.

“I think they (Spain) did not cooperate at all. Spain performed very badly, very badly, not at all good. We might cut off trade with Spain,” Trump told reporters.

He also added that Madrid is “very unfriendly” toward NATO and unwilling to take “the responsibilities they should.”

Trump questioned Spain’s policy toward the NATO alliance, claiming that Spain benefits from NATO protection but has long refused to increase its defense spending.

According to NATO regulations, member countries are required to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense annually. After starting his second term, Trump further increased this requirement to 5% of GDP.

Due to Spain’s opposition to the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran, relations between the U.S. and Spain have recently become tense.

The left-wing Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, characterized this military action as “reckless and illegal,” and banned U.S. military aircraft from using joint bases in southern Spain to attack Iran.

This is not the first time Trump has issued such a threat. Earlier this month, Trump sharply criticized Spain for “lacking cooperation” in the Iran attack operation and announced plans to cut all trade ties between the U.S. and Spain.

In response to Trump’s threats, the Spanish government stated that the country has the necessary resources to handle potential impacts and will support affected industries, promoting supply chain diversification.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Tuesday that Spain’s relationship with the U.S. “remains normal” at present, and the embassies of both countries continue to maintain regular diplomatic contact.

Currently, the tense relationship between the U.S. and Spain has attracted significant attention from the European Union. If Trump implements his trade threats, key Spanish exports such as olive oil and pharmaceuticals could be impacted. Spain is the world’s largest exporter of olive oil, and the U.S. is one of its main overseas markets.

According to U.S. government data, the U.S. currently runs a trade surplus with Spain. In 2025, U.S. exports to Spain are approximately $26 billion, nearly $5 billion higher than imports from Spain.