Spain pushes China to address trade imbalance as EU seeks Asian ties
Spanish PM Sanchez begins three-day China visit calling trade deficit 'unsustainable'—Spain runs €42.3B deficit with China, accounting for 74% of total EU imbalance. This comes as EU leaders seek closer Asian ties amid Trump's trade threats and tariffs.
Sanchez positions Spain as bridge between Beijing and EU, with Chinese investors viewing Spain as gateway to Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Spain denied US military base access for Iran strikes—prompting Trump to threaten trade cuts.
Spain's goals: market access for agricultural/industrial goods, technology joint ventures, attracting investors, accessing China's raw materials. Spanish exports to China rose 6.8% in 2025, with agricultural products having most potential.
As global trade tensions shift, will Nigeria explore similar gateway positioning between major economies or focus on direct trade relationships?