Overview
- The Federal Maritime Commission published proposals in the Federal Register on October 14, 2026 that would charge $200,000 per voyage to Spanish-flag ships and seek limits on U.S. imports of specific Spanish goods.
- The FMC said its investigation found "conclusive" evidence that Spain denied port calls to U.S.-flag vessels and that those denials created unfavorable conditions for U.S. maritime trade.
- The measures are proposals only and not in force, and the FMC has opened a public comment period while offering Spain the option to request a formal hearing.
- Spain began refusing port calls in 2024 for ships suspected of carrying military cargo bound for Israel as part of a policy to avoid facilitating material linked to the Gaza offensive.
- If adopted, the proposed fees and import limits could raise shipping costs, disrupt logistics for exporters and importers, and risk a wider commercial and diplomatic escalation between the United States and Spain.