politics
U.S. official signals intent to end trade with Spain over NATO defense spending
A U.S. official said Wednesday the United States would stop all trade with Spain after the country declined to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. The statement came during a press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Jul 8, 7:53 AM·1m read1 source
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A U.S. official said the United States would end all trade with Spain, including visits, after the country refused to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. The official called Spain a "wasted cause" and a "terrible partner" during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The official made the remarks on the final day of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The comments followed Spain's decision to keep its defense spending at 2% of GDP rather than adopt the 5% target agreed at last year's summit in The Hague.
Trade and defense commitments The official said the United States does not need to trade with Spain and suggested the country would seek renewed trade ties after the cutoff. "We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore," the official stated.
The announcement came amid broader U.S. disappointment with NATO members over defense spending and assistance related to the Iran conflict that began February 28. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was among European leaders who criticized the U.S. action in that conflict.
The official indicated the trade cutoff would pressure Spain to change its position on defense contributions.
