The Ministry of Trade discusses the situation with companies and exporters' associations operating in Russia and Ukraine

The companies were grateful for the interest and cooperation shown by the Secretary of State in this situation.

These meetings are aimed at strengthening communication with companies that may be affected by possible trade frictions that may arise after the outbreak of the war in the region. "Close contact with Spanish companies and exporters in both countries is necessary to analyse the situation, monitor any incidents that may arise and evaluate possible impacts on bilateral trade", explained the Secretary of State for Trade, Xiana Méndez.

Méndez pointed out that "in these times of such uncertainty, the Secretary of State for Trade is working closely with Spanish companies that do business in these two countries. The Government wants to facilitate and make available all the mechanisms at our disposal to companies.

"There is still room for diplomacy and, within the EU, decisions will be taken unanimously and that will undoubtedly make us stronger. Trade sanctions will be measures taken to avoid greater evils. Together with our European partners and other allies, we will try as far as possible to de-escalate this conflict, which is an unacceptable attack on international law, national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine," she said.

In the case of Russia and Ukraine, Spanish trade relations are very limited. Total exports of Spanish products to Russia account for only 0.7% (2.213 billion euros) of the global value of our exports, while Spanish exports to Ukraine account for only 0.2% (681.8 million euros) of the total.

Non official translation