Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is currently in Beijing, marking the second leg of his two-country tour of Asia. This visit occurs amid significant geopolitical tensions stemming from President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff war. Earlier, during his visit to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Sánchez expressed optimism about the temporary halt on tariffs, describing it as a “gateway to negotiation and agreement between countries.” President Trump had recently suspended tariffs on most countries, excluding China, for a period of 90 days.
Prior to Sánchez’s visit, the White House issued a cautionary note to the Spanish government regarding closer ties with Beijing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a Fox News interview, warned that turning to China rather than the United States could be a “losing bet for the Europeans,” likening it to “cutting your own throat.” Sánchez is notable for being the first European leader to officially visit China since the escalation of tariff tensions with the United States.
Trade relations between Spain and China are growing, albeit with a noticeable imbalance favoring China. In 2024, Spanish imports from China exceeded €45 billion, while exports to China were just €7.4 billion, according to Spain’s Ministry of Economy. China ranks as Spain’s fourth-largest trading partner and its second-largest supplier of goods, though it is only the twelfth-largest destination for Spanish exports.
Spanish imports from China predominantly include machinery, textiles, and consumer goods, with automobiles and motorcycles also gaining importance. Meanwhile, Spanish exports to China mainly consist of chemicals, minerals, and industrial components. China has become the leading Asian market for Spanish goods, with over 14,500 Spanish companies engaging in trade with the country. Although bilateral investment remains modest, it is more balanced. In 2023, China invested €131 million in Spain, while Spanish investment in China reached €91 million. Both countries are keen to strengthen ties in strategic sectors such as technology, energy, and logistics.
In response to criticism from the US Treasury Secretary, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended Spain’s engagement with China. Lin argued that the United States is the one “cutting each other’s throats” by using tariffs to intimidate other countries. During a recent press conference, Lin emphasized the importance of trade between Spain and China, noting that bilateral trade exceeded €44 billion in 2024, with Spanish exports to China increasing by 4.3% last year, according to Chinese data.
Despite criticism from Washington, Spain’s socialist government remains committed to expanding its trade relations with China. Agriculture Minister Luis Planas affirmed Spain’s excellent trade relations with China and expressed a desire not only to maintain but also to expand these ties.
Impact on Daily Life
The evolving trade relationship between Spain and China could have several implications for both countries. For Spain, increased imports from China may lead to more affordable consumer goods, benefiting consumers with a wider range of products at competitive prices. However, the trade imbalance could pose challenges for Spanish industries struggling to compete with Chinese imports, potentially affecting job opportunities in certain sectors.
For China, strengthening ties with Spain and other European countries may provide additional markets for Chinese goods, supporting its economic growth. This could also foster technological and logistical collaborations that benefit both nations. As global trade dynamics shift, countries like Spain and China may find new opportunities to diversify their economic partnerships, potentially reducing their reliance on traditional trading partners like the United States.
