Else Beekman
Donald Trump slams Spanish trade barriers once again, this time accusing Spain of “unfair” Netflix quotas, digital taxes, and investment restrictions. In a new US report, the president accuses Spain of blocking free trade and favouring EU interests, making it a key focus in his broader attack on European regulations.
In a recently released 397-page report on global trade barriers, the US government under Trump mentions Spain no fewer than 23 times, mostly unfavourably. According to newspaper El País, the accusations target a wide range of sectors, from audiovisual services to the pharmaceutical industry. While Spain is often referenced within the broader EU context, the report also names the country specifically in several sections.
Cultural regulations under fire
Particular frustration in Washington centres on Spain’s rules regarding film and streaming services. According to the report, US films are disadvantaged by mandatory quotas in Spanish cinemas and on streaming platforms like Netflix. One cited rule requires that for every three days a non-European film is shown, at least one EU production must be screened. The quotas are even stricter for films in Spain’s co-official languages, such as Catalan or Basque. Streaming platforms are also obliged to offer at least 30% European content, half of which must be in a Spanish regional language. Larger platforms are further required to invest a portion of their revenue in local productions. According to Trump, these measures put American companies at an unfair disadvantage.
Trade barriers: Google tax and foreign media limits
Another key point of contention is Spain’s digital services tax—referred to as the “Google tax”. The US claims the levy discriminates against major American tech firms. Trump has called on his trade representative to launch a renewed investigation into this and similar taxes across Europe. The report also voices concern about restrictions on foreign investment in Spanish media. Non-EU companies may own no more than 25% of a Spanish TV licence holder. Consequently, Washington views this cap as a barrier to open market access.
Pharma and Airbus also under scrutiny
The US pharmaceutical sector criticises Spain for vague rules around reimbursement and sluggish approval processes. The report also points to unequal access to medicines across Spanish regions. In addition, it revisits the long-running dispute over state subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Herein, Spain, France, and Germany were all involved. Although the case was officially settled through the World Trade Organisation, Trump warns that the US will keep a close watch on any future support measures.
Some praise, and a Spanish rebuttal
Interestingly, the report does offer some praise for Spain. Together with Portugal, the country is lauded as one of the few in the EU to cultivate genetically modified maize on a commercial scale. The US also recorded a trade surplus with Spain in both 2023 and 2024. This makes Spain a rare exception in Trump’s narrative of “unfair trade”.
Meanwhile, strong criticism has emerged from Spain in response to the US stance. Economist and professor Gonzalo Bernardos described Trump’s trade strategy as “a series of arbitrary decisions without economic coherence.” He argues that it causes more harm globally than it solves.
Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo warned that up to 80% of Spanish exports to the US could be affected—representing a potential loss of nearly €15 billion. He called it “the biggest commercial shock in 100 years” and predicted serious consequences for both Spain and the global economy. In response, Prime Minister Sánchez has announced a €14.1 billion support package aimed at bolstering Spain’s industry. The plan includes additional funding and a reallocation of European resources.
Also read: Trump’s new tariffs: Spanish exporters brace for fallout