US Proposes Fees and Import Restrictions on Spain Over Port Restrictions
Cubierto por 3 fuentesPublicado
- diario del puertoLa Comisión Marítima Federal de Estados Unidos propone una tasa de 200.000 euros por escala para los buques de bandera española
- Trade newsUS maritime regulator flexes muscles with proposed Spanish import restrictions
- ports europeUS regulator says Maersk’s US-flagged calls moved from Algeciras to Tanger Med
The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) proposed imposing a fee of $200,000 per voyage on all Spanish-flagged vessels and restricting the importation of certain Spanish products, after concluding that Spain created unfavorable shipping conditions for US-flagged vessels.
Origin of the Investigation
The FMC's investigation began in December 2024 to determine whether Spain was restricting US-flagged vessels' access to its ports, including vessels enrolled in the US Maritime Administration's (MARAD) Maritime Security Program. According to Trade News, the agency acted after three vessels in that program were turned away from Spanish ports for carrying cargo linked to Israel, while Spain argued in a prior submission to the FMC that the commission lacks jurisdiction over the country and that diplomacy is the appropriate channel, while also asserting its right to block military and dual-use cargo.
Products That Could Be Affected
Diario del Puerto reported that the import restrictions would cover categories such as perfumery and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, stone articles, and sugar and confectionery products. Trade News, for its part, mentioned that the measure would target perfumes, olive oil, and stone and ceramic tiles.
Drop in Port Calls at Algeciras
Ports Europe noted that, according to data cited by the FMC, US-flagged vessels operated by Maersk Line Limited virtually stopped calling at Algeciras since July 2025, shifting to an average of 4.17 monthly calls at Tanger Med instead.
Spanish Fleet and Next Steps
Diario del Puerto indicated that, as of January 1, 2026, there were 84 vessels under the Spanish flag, totaling 1.7 million GT, according to data from the Spanish Shipowners' Association (ANAVE), and that the FMC will offer Spain the opportunity for a hearing on the case. Trade News added that the commission opened a 60-day comment period and that the FMC itself indicated the investigation could be resolved through diplomatic channels.
A Shift in the FMC's Approach
Trade News noted that the measure involves the use of a tool the FMC has not applied in nearly three decades, citing as precedent the actions against Japan in 1997, and pointed out that the agency has also taken on the authority to restrict imports, something that, according to lawyers consulted, is unclear how it would be implemented since that power usually falls under the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). FMC Chair Laura DiBella called the situation "unacceptable" in a message posted on LinkedIn, while attorneys Nick Primrose and Julia Bonestroo Banegas, of the law firm Jones Walker, said the proposal marks a shift in the agency's regulatory approach.
