Trading Partner Portal: Spain
Trade Overview
Spain is arguably California’s first trading partner, dating back to colonial times when Spanish explorers colonized the area. Even today, a strong Spanish influence can be felt throughout the state in linguistic, cultural, and sociological areas. Although California’s trading partners have grown considerably, Spain continues to be an important player in the state’s imports and exports.
Spain is a country located in the southwestern part of Europe and contains about 85 % of the Iberian Peninsula. It is close neighbors with Portugal and France, with Morrocco to its south along the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of 49.36 million and GDP of $1.91 trillion as of 2025.
U.S. – Spain Trade
In 2025, two-way goods trade between Spain and the U.S. equaled $47.92 billion, with the United States exporting just over $26.57 billion to Spain. Exports consisted of oil and gas ($7.92 billion), chemicals ($7.16 billion), transportation equipment ($2.32 billion), agricultural products ($2.10 billion), and computer & electronic products ($1.57 billion).
Imports from Spain were roughly $21.35 billion in 2025, with the top category being chemicals at $5.35 billion. Other top imports included processed foods ($2.87 billion), non-electrical machinery ($2.03 billion), computer and electronic products ($1.32 billion), and nonmetallic mineral products ($1.02 billion).
Services exports between Spain and the United States totaled $26.58 billion in 2025, with exports totaling $12.40 billion. Top exports were financial services, travel, transportation services, telecommunications, computer & information services.
Imported services from Spain to the U.S. totaled $14.18 billion in 2025. Top imports were travel, other business services, transport services, financial services, telecommunications, computer, and information services.
California – Spain Trade
In 2025, California was a top state exporter to Spain with over $1.65 billion, a 21 percent rise when compared to 2024 exports. California was a top exporting state to Spain out of all 50 states. Top exports included agricultural products ($766 million), computer and electrical products ($328 million), transportation equipment ($130 million), non-electrical machinery ($83 million), and chemicals ($69 million).
Imports to California from Spain totaled roughly $1.40 billion in 2025, with california being a top importer from Spain out of all 50 states. Top import categories were processed foods ($311 million), chemicals ($214 million), non-electrical machinery ($114 million), nonmetallic mineral products ($111 million), and electrical equipment, appliances and components ($95 million).
FDI – Spain
U.S. direct investment to Spain totaled $33.24 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment from Spain into the United States was $106.03 billion.
Spain was the eleventh largest source of FDI in the U.S., with Spanish FDI in the U.S. supporting 91,000 jobs and invested $262 million in research and development. Another $1.2 billion went to expanding U.S. exports. The top industry sectors for Spanish FDI are software and IT services, business services, energy, financial services, industrial equipment, and communications. (Select USA)
In California, the 21st largest source of FDI through foreign-owned enterprises (FOEs) is Spain. Spanish FOEs in California provided 5,721 jobs through 141 firms amounting to $471 million in wages in 2025. The top jobs by sector are manufacturing, construction, wholesale trade, professional/business services, and retail trade (World Trade Center Los Angeles FDI Report).
More Articles and Information:
Cultural Bonds
“Cultural exchange between the U.S. and Spain has historically been strong and continues to reinforce the friendship between the two countries. The United States and Spain have a longstanding commitment to educational and cultural exchange, exemplified through both governments’ support for the U.S.-Spain Fulbright Program. Almost 10,000 Spanish and U.S. students and scholars have benefitted from the program since its inception nearly 60 years ago. Each year, nearly 27,000 U.S. students study abroad in Spain, making Spain the third most popular destination for U.S. students worldwide. There are more than 6,000 Spaniards studying in the U.S. each year. More than 2,000 Spaniards have also participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program sponsored by the United States.”
Source – White House Fact Sheet, July 2016
Governor Brown Meets with Spain’s Prime Minister in Sacramento
Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., September 28, 2018
CalChamber Resources
- American Chamber of Commerce in Spain
- California-Spain Chamber of Commerce
- Spanish Consul in California
- Trade Commission in California
- International Trade FAQs
- GO-Biz Stats: Spanish FDI in CA
Business
- U.S. Commercial Service Spain
- Spain – US Chamber of Commerce in New York
- Valencia, Spain Chamber of Commerce
- Trade Promotion of Andalucia
- United States Spain Council