Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez embarks on a visit to China and Vietnam this week, aiming to expand market access in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of sweeping tariffs.
The timing of the trip is significant, as it coincides with the European Union’s reassessment of its international trade strategy following the disruptive US import duties unveiled last week, which have rattled global markets. ALSO READ: EU hits out at Trump’s tariffs, yet keeps door open for ‘last-minute negotiations’.
Sánchez is scheduled to land in Hanoi on Wednesday, where he will hold talks with Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam. His visit comes just as the US begins enforcing 20% tariffs on goods from the EU.
The following day, he is expected to continue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s business hub, where meetings with key business figures are on the agenda.
Later in the week, the socialist (PSOE) leader will travel to China, marking his third trip there in just over two years. On Friday, he is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping (pictured together in main image in March 2023) and several Chinese investors.
Currently, both China and Vietnam export significantly more to Spain than they import.
Last week, Trump announced an additional 34% tariff on Chinese goods, adding to a 20% tariff already introduced earlier in the year. On Monday, he warned of further increases – up to 50% – to take effect Wednesday unless China rolled back its retaliatory actions.
Vietnam, where Sánchez’s visit marks the first by a Spanish prime minister, is also facing a steep 46% tariff.
During a previous visit to China in September 2024, Sánchez diverged from the EU’s stance, urging member states to rethink plans for heavy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, and instead advocating for a ‘fair trade order’. ALSO READ: Pedro Sánchez visits China to bolster trade and cultural ties, following tariff row.
The EU has defended the tariffs as necessary to protect domestic manufacturers from unfair practices by state-subsidised Chinese companies.
In response, China launched an investigation into EU pork imports. Spain, notably, is the EU’s top pork exporter to China.
Domestically, Sánchez has faced criticism from the right-wing opposition, who argue he’s acting independently of the EU.
‘It’s a mistake to want to switch from the United States to China overnight,’ said Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People’s Party (PP).
Despite such criticism, Brussels has recently shown a desire for improved relations with Beijing.
Following Trump’s return to the presidency in January, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for ‘constructive engagement with China’.
Meanwhile, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic recently travelled to China in a bid to ‘promote a more balanced and cooperative trade relationship’.
China ranks as Spain’s fourth-largest trade partner, with Spain importing approximately €45 billion in goods annually, while exports to China total just €7.4 billion.
During his trip, Sánchez is also expected to promote green technology investment. This follows last year’s announcement by Chinese carmaker Chery to build its first European electric vehicle plant in Barcelona.
BYD, another leading Chinese EV manufacturer, is also considering additional European investments, having already launched a factory in Hungary. Spain is reportedly being considered as a potential site.
On Monday, Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo stressed Madrid’s position: ‘We want to reach negotiated agreements with China to open up our markets, but always with a degree of protection … our companies, our industries should play on a level playing field.’
ALSO READ: EU hits back against US tariffs with ‘countermeaures’.
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