China and Spain Commerce Ministers Discuss Trade, Nexperia, and Pork Amid Broader Economic Dialogue

Ministers Convene on Bilateral and EU Trade

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Spanish Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo held a significant meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to address various aspects of China-Spain and China-EU economic and trade relations. The discussions, which were detailed in a statement published by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday, covered critical issues including the Nexperia semiconductor dispute and the vital pork trade between the two nations.

The meeting occurred in Beijing, coinciding with a state visit by King Felipe VI of Spain to China, marking the first such visit by a Spanish monarch in 18 years. This high-level engagement underscores both countries' commitment to deepening economic cooperation.

Nexperia Semiconductor Dispute Addressed

A central point of discussion was the ongoing situation surrounding Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker. Minister Wang Wentao reiterated China's stance that the Dutch government's 'improper administrative intervention' in Nexperia's internal affairs 'seriously violated the spirit of contract and market principles,' holding it primarily responsible for disruptions in the global semiconductor supply chain. He noted that China has taken steps to mitigate the impact by granting export license exemptions for eligible shipments.

In response, Minister Cuerpo expressed Spain's willingness to engage with the Dutch side on the Nexperia issue, emphasizing the importance of stable and smooth global semiconductor supply chains for all parties involved. The Nexperia case has been a source of tension, particularly after the Dutch government's decision to take control of the company, citing national security concerns, which led to supply chain disruptions affecting industries like automotive.

Pork Trade and New Protocols

The ministers also focused on agricultural trade, particularly the significant Spanish pork sector. Spanish companies, especially pork producers, conveyed optimism regarding the prospects of the Chinese market. In a move to bolster this trade, Spain and China signed three new protocols benefiting the pork, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors. A key agreement among these is an African swine fever regionalization protocol, which came into effect on November 12, 2025. This protocol is designed to protect the Spanish pork sector by allowing trade to continue from unaffected areas even if the disease is detected elsewhere in Spain.

This development is particularly relevant given recent trade tensions, including China's imposition of tariffs on EU pork products in September 2025, which were seen by some as a response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Spain, a major pork exporter to China, had been actively seeking the removal of these tariffs.

Strengthening Broader Economic Ties

Both ministers highlighted the importance of strengthening overall economic and trade relations. Minister Wang welcomed European enterprises, including those from Spain, to increase cooperation and share opportunities in the vast Chinese market. Minister Cuerpo affirmed Spain's commitment to further dialogue and exchanges to expand practical cooperation in trade and investment. The discussions also touched upon China-EU economic and trade relations, reflecting a broader effort to navigate complex global trade dynamics.