Speaking at Tsinghua University, Sanchez said trade flows between China and the EU were “imbalanced” and called on Chinese authorities to open their markets to address a widening deficit. “We need China to open up so that Europe does not have to close itself off,” he said, adding that the deficit grew by 18 percent last year and posed risks over the medium to long term.

Sanchez’s visit, his fourth to China in four years, comes as Madrid seeks to position itself as a bridge between Beijing and the 27-member EU amid signs of strain in transatlantic relations. Recent tariff measures and policy shifts under Donald Trump have prompted several Western governments to pursue closer economic engagement with China.

Spain recorded a trade deficit of 42.3 billion euros ($49.1 billion) with China last year, with Sanchez noting that the shortfall accounts for 74 percent of the country’s overall trade deficit. Spain’s population of roughly 50 million contrasts with China’s more than 1.4 billion, underscoring the structural imbalance in bilateral trade.

The Spanish government is seeking improved access for agricultural and industrial exports and exploring opportunities for joint ventures in the technology sector. Officials also aim to attract Chinese investment into Spain and secure access to critical raw materials.

During the visit, Sanchez is scheduled to tour facilities linked to Xiaomi and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, before holding talks with senior Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

The trip follows a period of diplomatic friction with Washington after Trump threatened to reduce trade ties with Spain, citing Madrid’s refusal to allow use of its military bases for U.S. strikes against Iran, a key Chinese economic partner.

Spain’s exports to China rose 6.8 percent in 2025, according to government data, reflecting strengthened bilateral engagement. During Sanchez’s previous visit in April 2025, Beijing agreed to expand market access for Spanish products including pork and cherries.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described Spain as “an important partner of China within the EU,” signaling Beijing’s willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation.

With the removal of tariffs on more than 200 food items, Indian exporters now face a more open and favourable U.S. market. This decision is widely viewed as a turning point that could rejuvenate demand and restore lost momentum for several key farm products.

Indian agriculture had been disproportionately affected earlier due to higher duties compared to other exporting nations.
Producers of tea, coffee, spices and cashew nuts were among the hardest hit, leading to reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market.

Now, with the exemptions kicking in, exporters expect smoother trade flows and better price stability. Farmer cooperatives believe this will directly support livelihoods, especially for small growers dependent on global demand.

Industry bodies estimate that between $2.5 billion and $3 billion worth of Indian exports could benefit from the updated tariff structure.
This creates fresh opportunities for premium, value-added and speciality agricultural products to enter the U.S. market without heavy cost burdens.

Trade experts say the new policy shift goes beyond immediate economic relief. It signals a stronger, more balanced phase in U.S.–India ties at a time when global trade dynamics are rapidly evolving.

Many exporters view the rollback as an invitation to innovate and diversify their product portfolios. By focusing on higher-value segments, they believe India can build stronger resilience against future market fluctuations.

Government officials working on farm export strategy also highlight the diplomatic value of the move. They believe it will support ongoing trade discussions and boost confidence among stakeholders on both sides.

The timing of the exemption is crucial, as India’s exports to the U.S. had fallen notably in recent months. September shipments dropped nearly 12% year-on-year, adding urgency to calls for tariff relief.

Agricultural products, which form a significant share of India’s outward trade to the U.S., were particularly vulnerable. The rollback now offers a pathway for recovery and renewed growth across multiple farm categories.

For farmers producing tea, spices, coffee, fruits and vegetables, the shift is expected to revive order volumes. Exporters anticipate better margins and faster clearances as price pressures ease across supply chains.

Experts note that India’s gains may be moderate in some categories, especially items where India has a smaller presence. But they emphasise that the overall direction remains positive for high-value spices and niche horticulture.

Producers of cardamom, pepper, turmeric and other speciality spices are especially optimistic.
These products already enjoy strong recognition in the U.S. market, and lower tariffs can further elevate demand.

Agriculture-focused think tanks say the new environment encourages long-term investment in farm processing and quality improvement.
Better policies, combined with strong U.S. demand, could help India build stronger rural incomes.

Despite earlier setbacks, the current climate offers exporters a chance to re-establish market share. The tariff rollback restores competitiveness and strengthens confidence among Indian agribusinesses.

Overall, the exemption is being celebrated as a win for Indian farmers, exporters and policy planners alike. It positions India to participate more strongly in global food markets and reinforces the positive direction of bilateral trade relations.

With rising demand, favourable policy signals and new opportunities in premium agricultural products,
India’s farm sector stands at the beginning of a renewed growth cycle shaped by greater access to key international markets.