The EU and the US usher in a new trade era: key aspects of the tariff agreement for Spanish companies

Transatlantic Trade

The Council of the European Union has approved regulations implementing the 2025 tariff agreement with the United States. The measure aims to provide stability, but requires exporting companies to review their strategy, costs, and documentation requirements for operating in the US market.

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A new framework of predictability for transatlantic relations

El Council of the Unión Europea has formally adopted two regulations implementing the tariff agreement agreed with Estados Unidos in August 2025. This new regulation, which culminates the legislative process, seeks to stabilize transatlantic trade relations and introduces a scenario of greater regulatory predictability for companies operating on both sides of the Atlantic.

The measures adopted represent a significant change in the customs landscape. On the one hand, the remaining customs duties on [unclear - possibly "goods" or "customs"] are eliminated. US industrial goodsOn the other hand, preferential access is established for certain non-sensitive fishery and agricultural products, and the suspension of duties on lobster imports, including its processed form, is extended. To ensure stability, the regulations incorporate strengthened safeguard mechanisms, allowing the Comisión Europea act swiftly in the face of unexpected increases in imports or potential breaches of the agreement by Washington.

The challenge for the Spanish exporter: from opportunity to risk

Although the agreement promotes a more stable trading environment, its actual impact will vary considerably depending on the sector, product type, and each company's position in the global value chain. Spanish companies with interests in the US market now face the need to conduct a thorough analysis of how these changes affect their operations. The review should cover critical areas such as tariff classification of their products, the import and export costs, the required technical and documentary requirements, the optimization of logistics and its competitive positioning against other market players.

Estados Unidos It remains a strategic market for numerous Spanish sectors and a priority destination for the internationalization of its business network. In this context, anticipating the implications of the new framework is essential not only to identify new business opportunities, but also to adjust prices and margins, reassess the supplier portfolio, and ultimately, reduce operational and regulatory risks.

Key Measure of the Agreement	Affected Products	Business Involvement
Elimination of customs duties	Industrial goods of EEUU	Cost reduction for European importers of machinery and technology.
preferential access	Non-sensitive fishery and agricultural products	New export opportunities for specific sectors.
Extension of suspension of rights	Lobster (fresh and processed)	Competitive and price advantage for importers and distributors.
Safeguard mechanisms	Any product subject to anomalous import increases	Greater legal certainty, but it requires market monitoring.

Expert advice for navigating the US market

To guide companies through this transition, the Cámara Oficial de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de Madrid has made technical advisory tools available to you. Through its service EEUU Trade Desk, offers individual consultations to analyze the specific impact of US trade policy on import, export, supply chain and international planning operations.

Additionally, companies that export products such as food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics or medical equipment to Estados Unidos They must comply with the strict regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Service Register FDA from the Cámara de Madrid It facilitates these procedures, advising on applicable regulations and managing the registration of foreign establishments, the application for a UFI/DUNS number, prior import notification, labeling review, and adaptation to specific requirements such as FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) or MoCRA (Cosmetics Regulation Modernization Act).

Key points and frequently asked questions about the new EU-US agreement

How does this agreement directly affect my exporting company in Spain?

The direct impact depends on your sector. If you import industrial goods from EEUUYour costs could be reduced. If you export agricultural or fishery products, you could access new preferential quotas. In all cases, it is crucial to review your tariff classification and pricing strategy to maintain competitiveness.

What are the consequences of this framework for the transatlantic trade relationship?

The main benefit is increased stability and predictability, reducing the regulatory uncertainty that has characterized relations over the past decade. The agreement establishes clearer rules of the game and safeguards to prevent market distortions.

What should companies in the agri-food or cosmetics sector know about exporting to the US?

Beyond tariffs, these companies must comply with the requirements of the FDAThis includes everything from registering as a foreign establishment to adapting labeling and complying with specific regulations such as FSMA o MoCRAIt is advisable to seek expert advice to avoid customs delays or penalties.