The Vietnam Trade Office in Spain has warned that Vietnamese exports to the Spanish market will encounter increasing difficulties due to intensifying global trade competition.

A key factor contributing to this challenge is the EU and Spain’s priority given to new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly with Mexico and the Mercosur bloc in 2025. Additionally, the EU has resumed FTA negotiations with several ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, further reshaping the trade landscape in the region.

Moreover, several new FTAs are set to take effect soon, including those between the EU and New Zealand, the EU and the Central American region and the EU with Chile and Kenya.

Another complicating factor is the additional tariffs imposed by the U.S. on EU and Spanish imports, which restrict the re-export of goods from the EU and limit opportunities for importing raw materials used in production for exports to the US market.

To strengthen Vietnam’s market position, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged ministries and government agencies to expand delegation exchanges and sector-wide trade cooperation. This includes organizing business forums to deepen Vietnam-Spain economic ties.

Additionally, Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters are advised to enhance product quality, align with evolving market standards, and work closely with the Vietnam Trade Office in Spain to verify potential local partners. This vetting process should cover legal status, financial capacity, infrastructure, product quality, consumer markets, distribution channels, and corporate reputation, helping minimize fraud risks in foreign trade contracts.

A representative from the Vietnam Trade Office in Spain confirmed that the office is actively promoting Vietnamese exports, facilitating business matchmaking, and supporting participation in major international trade events, including the Iberia Food Fair in June 2025 and the Global Fruit and Vegetable Fair in October 2025.

Furthermore, the office is collaborating with the Spain-ASEAN Business Council (ASEMPEA) and regional Chambers of Commerce in major cities to organize seminars introducing Vietnam’s business potential and the investment opportunities arising from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and, in the future, the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The office is also directly engaging with Spanish businesses, particularly in key export sectors, such as textiles and garments, footwear, agricultural and aquatic products, fruits and vegetables, and household goods.

Additionally, it will organize delegations of Spanish enterprises to visit Vietnam, conduct market research, participate in B2B matchmaking activities, and attend the Vietnam International Sourcing event in September.