The Ministry of Commerce of China has announced the inclusion of Spain as one of the priority countries in its national plan to promote imports under the initiative Export to China during 2026. This designation is part of China’s strategy to diversify the sources of its supplies and balance its trade deficit.
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, He Yadong, the program includes organizing more than 100 activities throughout the year, combining in-person and digital actions. The aim is not only to facilitate the entry of foreign products into the Chinese market but also to ensure that they “sell well” once there, through comprehensive promotion that includes fairs, trade missions, and digital platforms.
For the first time, Beijing has established «themed» countries of the year. Alongside Spain, the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Kenya, and Thailand are included. This selection seeks to reinforce bidirectional cooperation: attracting foreign companies to the Chinese market while simultaneously supporting Chinese companies in their international expansion.
This measure coincides with the official visit of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, to China, during which multiple economic and sectoral agreements have been signed, especially in the areas of agribusiness, technology, and trade.
Spain has a significant trade deficit with China — exceeding €42 billion in 2025 — although Spanish exports grew by 6.8% last year. Chinese authorities highlight that this initiative could help expand the presence of high-value-added Spanish products in their market.
The announcement reinforces the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and aligns with agreements recently signed in Beijing in sectors such as agribusiness (pistachios, dried figs, poultry, and pork products), as well as in investments and sustainable supply chains.
