Reuters · October 14, 2026

Federal Maritime Commission Proposes $200,000 Fee on Spanish-Flagged Ships and Limits on Spanish Imports

• The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission proposed on Wednesday imposing a $200,000 fee on Spanish-flagged ships calling at U.S. ports and restricting Spanish imports, including olive oil, according to the report.
• The commission said Spain created unfavourable conditions for U.S. shipping by denying access to three U.S. vessels in 2024 that Spanish officials said were carrying cargos related to Israel's war in Gaza, according to the report.
• The proposed measures would also cover imports including cosmetics, oils and ceramics, according to a notice published by the agency on Wednesday.
• The measures are not yet in force and are subject to a 60-day public comment period, according to the report.
• Spain said it was complying with Spanish, European Union and international laws governing defence and dual-use goods, according to the report.
• Spain's government said on Wednesday it was analysing the commission's conclusions and possible implications, and would defend its interests and those of its companies in coordination with the European Commission and the member states, according to the report. The government said it remained committed to a strong economic and trade relationship with the U.S.

Fee, import, vessel and comment-period details as stated by the Federal Maritime Commission and reported by Reuters; Spain's documented response is included above. Original headline: "US floats fees for Spanish ships, caps on olive oil imports over port dispute".