Recent announcements of new tariff measures by the United States have created a more uncertain environment for European exporting companies.
Sectors such as agrifood, steel, automotive, fashion, and the chemical industry are already assessing how these policies may affect their costs, margins, and supply chains. At Omnia Aduanas, we explain which measures are actually in force, which sectors are most affected, and how an advanced customs and logistics strategy can protect profitability and turn uncertainty into opportunity.
In 2025, the United States continues and reinforces sector-specific tariff measures, rather than imposing a general increase on all imports from the European Union.
The most relevant are those applied under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which mainly affect imports of steel and aluminum.
Products within the tariff-rate quotas (TRQ) may enter with reduced or zero duty, but those exceeding the allocated quota face an additional surcharge that may reach up to 50% of the product’s value.
In addition, anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations remain in sensitive sectors—automotive, textiles, and chemicals—creating added uncertainty in trade flows. The official reasons include protecting domestic industry, correcting trade imbalances, and responding to European subsidies, as part of a protectionist policy launched in 2018.
Tariffs and quotas do not only raise final prices; they directly affect contracts, logistics, and export margins. These are the sectors with the highest exposure:
| Sector | Main impact | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Agrifood | Higher costs and loss of competitiveness compared with countries that have preferential agreements (Mexico, Chile, Canada). | Olive oil, wine, olives, canned vegetables. |
| Metals (steel and aluminum) | Application of Section 232 with a base tariff of 25% and up to 50% outside the TRQ quota. | Flat and semi-finished steel products exported from Catalonia or the Basque Country. |
| Automotive and components | Risk of additional measures; increase in logistics and material costs. | Components manufactured in Navarre or Aragon. |
| Fashion and footwear | Greater pressure on costs and loss of competitiveness compared with Asia. | Garment and footwear exporters in Valencia and La Rioja. |
According to projections by the Bank of Spain and the European Commission,
an average tariff increase of 20% could reduce Spain’s direct exports to the United States by a similar proportion,
causing a drop of between 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points of GDP. Sectors with high exposure to the U.S. market are already showing adjustments in orders and employment, especially in automotive, metallurgy, and agrifood.
Companies with an international outlook can mitigate the impact if they anticipate and restructure their operations.
Some key measures:
Diversify markets.
Reduce dependence on the United States and strengthen exports to Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Optimize logistics and production costs.
Review suppliers, shipping routes, and transport contracts.
Bring exports forward or manage inventory.
Take advantage of the window before higher tariffs come into force.
Establish a presence or local partnerships in the United States.
Manufacturing or packaging in U.S. territory may reduce the tariff burden.
Make use of European and national aid.
There are financing lines, credit insurance, and support programs for internationalization.
Review contracts and imported inputs.
Tariffs may increase indirect costs, so it is advisable to update prices and contract clauses.
Spanish regions most affected
In a changing international trade environment, having a specialized customs agent makes the difference between losing competitiveness and consolidating your market position.
At Omnia Aduanas, as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO ES22000032), we help your company to:
The new U.S. tariffs represent a challenge for Spanish exports,
but also an opportunity to strengthen international strategy and customs efficiency. With the expert support of Omnia Aduanas, your company can anticipate changes, reduce risks, and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global environment.
