Nicolai Haugsted
In the middle of the war with Iran, the United States also feel a downgrade in sales of crude oul, while still pulling out positive numbers.
American crude oil is still flowing into Spain at a higher rate than from any other country — but the numbers are heading in the wrong direction for Washington.
According to ElEconomista, Fresh figures from Spain’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Corporation show that US oil exports to Spain fell during the first quarter of 2026, continuing a downward trend that has persisted since 2023 despite Donald Trump’s repeated criticism of the Spanish government.
US sales slip despite top position
Spain imported 1.86 million tons of crude oil from the United States between January and March, marking a decline of 5.9 percent compared to the same period earlier in the year.
American oil still accounted for the largest share of Spain’s imports at 13.2 percent, though that figure also slipped compared to 2025.
Pressure is now coming from several competing suppliers rapidly expanding their foothold in the Spanish market.
Libya posted one of the sharpest increases among Spain’s energy partners.
Exports from the North African country jumped 41.9 percent to 1.69 million tons, lifting Libya into second place among Spain’s largest crude suppliers.
Nigeria also strengthened its position after increasing exports by more than 31 percent. The country shipped 1.62 million tons to Spain during the quarter.
Mexico, meanwhile, moved in the opposite direction. Shipments to Spain dropped by more than 21 percent, reducing its overall market share.
Major producers lose ground
Brazil experienced one of the steepest declines among major exporters.
Brazilian crude deliveries plunged 45.2 percent, falling to 1.44 million tons and significantly shrinking the country’s presence in the Spanish market.
Saudi Arabia also saw exports decline sharply, with shipments falling more than 20 percent during the quarter.
Algeria recorded a smaller decrease of just over five percent.
Iraq and Canada move higher
Despite continuing instability in the Middle East, Iraq expanded its oil sales to Spain by 37 percent compared to last year.
Canadian exports also climbed strongly, rising more than 23 percent during the quarter.
Several smaller suppliers continued contributing to Spain’s crude imports, including Guyana, Kazakhstan, Angola, Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea and Senegal.
Spain’s shifting oil landscape highlights how competition among global energy producers continues to intensify — even as geopolitical tensions and changing trade patterns reshape international crude markets.
