Spanish exports to the US exceeded €1.6 billion in March 2026. This accounted for 4.6% of total exports and a 3.4% increase from the same period in 2025, according to the Monthly Foreign Trade Report issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business.

The legal framework that governs Spanish businesses differs if they sell products or provide services to US customers. In this article, we explain how to sell to the US from Spain, including how to handle value-added tax (VAT) management and invoicing.

Key takeaways

• Many platforms make it easier to sell to the US from Spain, such as Amazon and eBay. However, Spanish businesses can also create their own online stores.
  
• Most export transactions are taxed in the US. Therefore, as a general rule, businesses must issue invoices without Spanish value-added tax (VAT). Even so, it is important to be aware of the transactions that must include Spanish VAT, even if the customer’s headquarters is located in the US.
  
• sales tax rates vary depending on the tax jurisdiction applicable in each area. If a business is required to collect sales tax, the business must know the tax rates to charge customers.
  
• Low-value exports are also subject to tariffs. Shipments of goods valued at up to US$800 are no longer exempt.
  

Why sell to the US from Spain?

In response to tougher US tariff policies – which have drastically increased customs duties – Spain has adopted urgent measures to support Spanish exporting businesses. For example, in April 2025, Royal Decree-Law 4/2025 was enforced. It includes measures that range from a €5 billion guarantee facility to a specific relaunch plan by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX). This is aimed at maintaining the competitiveness of Spanish businesses in the US market.

Despite the complex current landscape, there are many compelling reasons to sell in the US market. These reasons go far beyond the support provided by Spanish public entities. Below, we discuss the main reasons.

Large market size

According to data from the Diplomatic Information Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain holds a 0.68% market share as a supplier to US customers.

While this might seem like a modest figure, it represents a high volume of business. In fact, the US has a high quantity of imports that take place each year. For example, in 2024, the US was the country with the highest import value worldwide.

Reputation of Spanish products

US demand focuses on the flagship products of Spain's agri-food industry, such as ham, olive oil, and wine. The quality of these products is also recognised worldwide. For example, in 2025, the US was the second largest destination for Spanish olive oil exports by value.

This strong reputation was reinforced by Royal Decree 998/2012. This decree promoted the "Spain Brand" and improved the perception of Spanish products and services abroad. In fact, a year before it was enforced, Spain exported goods to the US worth over €7.9 billion. Three years later, these transactions reached over €10.6 billion.

Since then, the upward trend has remained relatively steady. For example, in the first ten months of 2024, the figure reached over €15.1 billion.

Taxation

The double taxation treaty was enforced in 1990. In 2006, some of its terms were defined more explicitly through a mutual agreement.

This fiscal instrument ensures that profits derived from sales to the US are taxed in Spain, provided they are not performed in a permanent establishment in the US. In other words, if transactions with US customers take place from Spain, Spanish businesses will only pay the direct taxes applicable in Spain. This includes personal income tax (IRPF) for self-employed workers and corporate income tax (IS) for businesses.

Affinity with the Hispanic market

The US is home to the second largest Spanish-speaking community in the world. As noted by the Diplomatic Information Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, there were 45 million native Spanish speakers in 2024.

The large pool of potential customers sharing the same language and similar consumption habits facilitates exports. In other countries – such as China – this is far more complex, due to the challenges of international expansion.

Online platforms for selling to the US from Spain

The simplest and most direct way to sell to the US from Spain involves using online platforms that allow you to access a massive market. According to a report by the US Census Bureau, during the first quarter of 2026, it was estimated that retail e-commerce sales in the US exceeded US$326 billion. Below, we outline the most popular online platforms in the US.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the most widely used platforms for exports to the US due to its success among US customers. According to Statista, in 2025, Amazon reached a 40.5% share of the e-commerce market in the US.

To sell your products to the US from Spain through Amazon, you must create a business account that enables you to sell in three other countries: Mexico, Canada, and Brazil. Next, choose a logistics option. These include shipping each order individually or transporting all goods to Amazon’s fulfilment centres. With this option, the platform handles storage and distribution.

eBay

As Statista reveals, eBay is among the five most popular e-commerce sites among US citizens. It is a Marketplace that allows Spanish businesses to sell in the US if they have a profile with many positive reviews.

To avoid difficulties when calculating shipping costs, eBay offers the calculated shipping option. This determines the amount based on postal rates for Zone AM, which includes the US, Mexico, Argentina, and others.

Regardless of the method chosen to calculate shipping costs, eBay converts payments from dollars to euros and deducts currency conversion fees.

Etsy

Etsy is a Marketplace for creative individuals who set up small businesses and sell handmade products.

To sell to the US through Etsy, use the shipping profiles the platform offers. Once set up, you can update the prices of multiple listings simultaneously for each destination country. This feature makes Etsy an ideal solution for those planning to expand their businesses beyond Spain.

Your online store

Having your own online store is one of the best ways to sell online to the US from Spain. These websites are not subject to external limitations. For example, you can accept Payment methods customised for customer preferences in each country. This conveys the same sense of security as a local store and reduces the fear of Fraud customers might feel when making cross-border payments.

Shopify facilitates this local adaptation with Shopify Markets, which automatically localises the entire checkout process for US customers. Another platform for selling online from Spain is PrestaShop, which offers various modules that facilitate transactions with US customers.

Requirements for selling to the US from Spain

While the requirements for exporting from Spain remain the same, each destination country imposes its own rules. Below, we analyse the prerequisites you must meet to sell to the US from Spain.

Hire a customs broker or incorporate your business in the US

If sales to the US account for a small part of your business activity, it is important to operate as a non-resident importer. Since you will conduct business from your headquarters in Spain, you will need to engage the services of a US customs broker and complete certain additional formalities. For example, if you receive payments subject to withholding at the source, you might need to fill out Form W-8 BEN-E to certify your status as a non-US entity.

In turn, if you believe that the US will become your main market, it can be helpful to incorporate your business there. Through Stripe Atlas, you can incorporate your company in the US state of Delaware, which is notable for its straightforward tax system. With Atlas, you can complete this process in a few days and for a fixed price. Additionally, Stripe provides a legal representative that is physically present in the state of Delaware to handle certain administrative procedures.

Comply with quality and safety standards

The US requires compliance with quality and safety standards, depending on the product being sold. For example, if you export food products—such as olives or ham—you must register your business with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the safety of the products.

On the other hand, if you decide to sell technology products, they must pass rigorous tests. To do so, you do not need to send them to the US. There are authorised facilities in Spain that can test them, such as fixed and mobile laboratories provided by the General Inspection Company (SGS).

Label the products correctly

In the US, there are various laws that regulate the labelling of exported products, depending on their nature. For example, consumer goods sold to individuals must comply with the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, a law that requires specific information to be displayed on the label, such as your business’s name and the container’s capacity.

However, this does not apply to products such as textiles. Therefore, if you own a clothing store and decide to export to the US, you must comply with other provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This includes the requirement to insert the phrase “Made in Spain” on labels.

Pay the customs bond

When exporting to the US, you can ship goods on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis, which exempts the US importer from customs formalities. In this case, your business must cover all costs and pay the customs bond for transactions exceeding US$2,500 or involving certain products, such as foodstuffs. In this way, customs entities protect themselves against potential non-payment.

This procedure is also necessary if you send your goods to the logistics warehouses of businesses such as Amazon, which specifically state that they do not perform this role. In any case, you can hire the services of a freight forwarder or customs broker to fulfil this and other obligations.

Declare all shipments

Previously, the US allowed exports of up to US$800 without tariffs under the Section 321 administrative exemption. However, this measure was suspended in 2025 by executive order and codified in customs regulations in June 2026. Its complete elimination is scheduled for 2027.

Therefore, if you ship low-value goods, you must complete the corresponding customs formalities. This includes submitting customs declarations via the following entry points:

• Type 11 (informal entry): Exports of US$2,500 or less
  
• Type 01 (formal entry): Exports of US$2,500 or more
  

How to manage Spanish VAT on sales to the US from Spain

The inclusion of Spanish VAT on Invoices to the US depends on many factors. These include the type of sale (i.e., goods or services), place of Transaction, and recipient’s Status as a Business or Individual. Below, we discuss the possible scenarios.

B2B Transactions

In most cases, it is not necessary to include Spanish VAT on Invoices issued from Spain to US Business Customers. The Application of this Tax varies depending on whether you sell products or services.

Sales of products to US businesses

Sales of products to US businesses are exempt from Spanish VAT, provided the following conditions are met:

• The goods are sold from Spain.
  
• The goods are transported to the US.
  
• Your Business has the necessary documentation to demonstrate and prove to the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) that these Transactions constitute exports. An example of such documentation is the Single Administrative Document (SAD) that determines applicable taxes and tariffs, in addition to serving a customs function.
  

Conversely, if the Business purchases the products in Spain and the products do not leave the country, the Transaction is subject to Spanish VAT.

Sales of services to US businesses

As a general rule, sales of services to US businesses are not subject to Spanish VAT. Regulations deem that these services take place in the Customer’s country. Therefore, it’s not necessary to include VAT on Invoices.

However, Transactions are subject to Spanish VAT when the service is physically provided or used in Spain, regardless of the Customer’s headquarters being located in the US. This applies to services related to real estate, event access, food services, short-term vehicle rental, and passenger transport.

Below, we provide a summary of the Application of VAT and the inclusion of additional information on Invoices to US Business Customers.

Spanish VAT on Invoices for B2B exports to the US

B2C Transactions

As with B2B Transactions, if you invoice US private individuals, there are important nuances you need to take into account.

Sales of products to US individuals

When the recipient of an Invoice for the sale of physical products is a US private Individual, the same rules apply as if the recipient were a Business. It is not necessary to include VAT, as long as the physical product leaves the EU. In such cases, the Invoice must clearly state the grounds for the VAT Exemption, and the SAD must be retained.

Sales of services to US individuals

• General services
  These generally include Spanish VAT because most services are Taxed in the territory where they are provided. However, as stipulated in Article 69.2 of the Spanish VAT Law, certain services—such as advisory, consulting, and translation services—are deemed to be performed in the US, even if the Business provides them from Spain. In such cases, Invoices issued to US private individuals do not include Spanish VAT, as these are considered non-VAT Transactions.
  
• Services provided or used in Spain
  As with B2B Transactions, if the US private Individual uses the service in Spain, the Invoice must include Spanish VAT.
  
• Electronic services
  If you sell digital services—such as online training or software—the Transaction is Taxable in the US. Therefore, you must issue the Invoice without Spanish VAT. For Tax purposes, sales of both general and electronic services are deemed to take place in your Customer’s country. Therefore, even if your Business lacks a physical presence in the US, the Transaction will be subject to the taxes that apply there.
  

Below, we provide a summary of VAT and additional mandatory information for Invoices documenting B2C Transactions in the US from Spain.

Spanish VAT on Invoices for B2C exports to the US

How to invoice sales to the US from Spain

In Spain, the legal framework that governs invoicing obligations includes several regulations. One of them—Royal Decree 1619/2012—specifies that the invoicing information required on Invoices sent to US Customers is practically identical to the information on any other Business Invoice:

• Date
  
• Number or series
  
• Details of the Issuer and Customer
  
• Description and amount
  
• Tax base
  
• Tax rate
  
• Tax amount
  
• Total amount
  

In addition, you must include a Legal statement on the Invoice explaining why the Transaction does not include VAT:

• For non-VAT Transactions: “Non-VAT Transaction pursuant to Article 69 of Law 37/1992.”
  
• For VAT-exempt transactions: "Export exempt from VAT pursuant to Article 21 of Law 37/1992."
  

Furthermore, it is advisable to include some information that is important for customs management. However, this information is not mandatory, according to the guide to export procedures and documents. This includes the Harmonized System code (HS code), Payment Terms, mode of transport, and international commercial Terms (Incoterms).

Common mistakes when selling to the US from Spain

Spanish businesses handle a large volume of transactions with US customers. During the first quarter of 2026, Spain sold goods to the US worth more than €4 billion, according to the Monthly Foreign Trade Report. When it comes to documenting sales, there are certain mistakes that occur frequently. Below, we discuss the most common types.

Legal statement on invoices

Sometimes, businesses that sell products or services to the US do not include the necessary legal statement on their invoices. This statement is mandatory when these transactions are exempt from VAT or are non-VAT transactions.

Additional documentation

Some sales to the US require more than an invoice. This is the case for deliveries of goods. These invoices must be accompanied by a document that proves their exit from the EU. One of the most common additional documents is the bill of lading, which must contain a description of the goods, the date, port of collection and delivery, and details of the seller, buyer, and ship.

Sales declarations

Sales to the US of any kind must be included in quarterly VAT returns. Specifically, you must fill out two boxes on Form 303:

• Box 60: VAT-exempt sales to the US
  
• Box 120: Non-VAT sales to the US
  

US taxes

Sales tax is levied on the sale of some services and certain physical goods, such as clothing and food. Given that sales of general and electronic services are documented in the US, there is sometimes an obligation to pay this indirect tax, even if the business does not have a physical presence in the US. Sales tax rates can vary by state, county, and city.

With thousands of distinct sales tax jurisdictions, the US is one of the countries with the greatest tax complexity. To simplify tax collection and avoid potential issues, it is advisable to integrate a tax automation tool, such as Stripe Tax. It notifies you through automatic alerts when you are approaching the sales threshold that requires you to collect taxes in a given jurisdiction.

Tips for selling to the US from Spain

To improve sales results in the US, it is important to take into account the preferences of US customers. In some ways, these preferences differ significantly from those of Spanish customers. Below, we provide tips that will help you adapt to consumer trends in the US.

Consider tariffs as expansion costs

In June 2026, the European Parliament approved a trade agreement between the EU and the US. It eliminates European tariffs on US industrial goods. In return, safeguard clauses were introduced that allow the EU to suspend its concessions if the US maintains tariffs exceeding 15% on certain European products, such as steel and aluminium derivatives.

While this provides greater commercial stability, it is important to note that US tariffs remain high. Importing businesses typically pass them on to the customer in the form of higher prices.

If customers have to pay much higher prices, they could opt for more affordable products. To prevent this, it can help to adjust profit margins so final prices of the goods sold to the US from Spain are more competitive.

Offer free shipping

According to a Capital One Shopping report, 62% of US customers do not complete online purchases if shipping is not free. Shipping to US pick-up points is almost always cheaper than home delivery. Therefore, offering this option for free when US customers reach minimum order values could positively influence purchase decisions.

Minimise the risk of returns

If you ship products from Spain, return costs are very high. This is especially important in the US, where product returns are common. According to Shorr's Consumer Report 2025–2026, 91% of US customers have returned at least one product in the past year.

One strategy to achieve this goal is to include photographs and highly detailed descriptions so US customers are clear about what they will receive.

Simplify mobile purchases

Purchases from mobile devices account for 42% of e-commerce revenue in the US. Therefore, it is important to improve your online store using mobile commerce (m-commerce) best practices. These include adopting vertical design and limiting the information you request from customers.

Accept preferred payment methods and local currencies

Cards are the preferred payment method for US citizens. According to Stripe data, US customers use cards for 64% of payments. The second most widely used payment method is digital wallets. For example, Apple Pay is accepted by nine in ten US retailers, as stated in SQ Magazine.

With Stripe Payments, you can accept these and other highly popular US payment methods. Adopting these payment options can help improve US customers' shopping experiences and, accordingly, increase conversion.

To further increase these results, you can also convert prices to the local currency. Stripe lets you accept payments in dollars and receive funds in euros, simplifying accounting management and improving customer authorisation.

Consider US market demand

Certain products are more popular among US customers. According to the Spain's Chamber of Commerce, in 2024, electrical appliances, food products, chemical and pharmaceutical goods, glass products, and metal objects were among the categories with the highest import volumes.

In addition, digital products are likely to be in demand. In April 2026, there were 288 million digital customers in the US.

Use social commerce

Social commerce combines social media and e-commerce. It can help you reach a broader potential customer base. To foster this, promote your products or services on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok.

According to Forbes, nearly 107 million US citizens made purchases via social media in 2023. This figure is projected to reach 118 million by 2027. One of the most popular platforms is TikTok Shop, which accounted for more than 27% of global revenue in the US in 2024.

Sign up for ICEX events

ICEX is a public entity that promotes the internationalisation of Spanish businesses. To this end, it often organises events that you can use to enhance your presence in the US.

For example, the Interior Media Plan from Spain US 2026 enables architects and other professionals in the housing and interior design sectors to promote products and services to US magazine readers. On the other hand, the Spain Food Nation Summit 2026 informs Spanish food producers how to sell to the US and provides information on current trends that can help increase the success of their exports.

FAQs on selling to the US from Spain