The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has concluded that Spain has set up unfavourable trading conditions for US foreign trade by denying US-flagged vessels access to its ports in 2024. The case relates to Spain’s decision not to allow ships carrying military equipment or defence-related goods destined for Israel to enter its ports.
“The FMC’s investigation found conclusive evidence that Spain denied U.S.-flagged vessels access to its ports, and that these actions created unfavorable shipping conditions in the foreign trade,” reads a press release issued by the Federal Agency.
“These unfavourable conditions – the statement continues – have grave consequences for the efficiency and reliability of the international ocean shipping supply chain, as well as the ability of the FMC to promote the growth and development of US exports, encourage the development of a liner fleet of US vessels capable of meeting national security needs and supporting commerce, as well as supporting the US merchant marine”.
To counter the unfavourable conditions set by Spain, the FMC proposes two possible economic countermeasures.
The first: a $200,000 voyage fee for ships flying the Spanish flag calling at US ports.
The second: restrictive measures on the import of certain Spanish goods into the US. The product categories potentially affected include perfumes and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, stone articles, sugar and confectionery.
The FMC invites interested parties to submit comments on all aspects of the proposed measures, with a view to identifying the most appropriate actions to address the conditions sent by Spain that are detrimental to shipping.
Translation by Giles Foster
