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Could Trump’s Iran trade war put Spain’s saffron-infused paella at risk?

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Ongoing story
  • Spain relies heavily on Iran for saffron, an essential ingredient in paella, and faces uncertainty over potential US sanctions on Tehran’s trade partners.
  • Spanish exporters and officials said disruption could affect companies that import, process, package and distribute saffron, even if domestic supplies prevent a shortage for consumers.
  • Spain accounted for three-quarters of European Union saffron imports from Iran two years ago, making it a major gateway for the product.

Spain’s paella may keep its colour, but a looming US trade confrontation with Iran has left the country’s saffron businesses watching Washington closely.

This threat from the United States could be a problem for us. Our biggest supplier by far is Iran. Then we sell it to markets all over the world.

· Jose Luis GuerreroA Spanish saffron exporter described the potential effect of US measures against Iran’s trade partners.

Fields of purple Crocus sativus flowers produce the crimson stigmas that become saffron, the spice that gives paella its distinctive yellow colour and earthy aroma. Castilla-La Mancha grows saffron domestically, but Spain depends largely on Iran for its supply.

That dependence could become a problem after the United States said in late August that it would launch an “economic onslaught” against Iran’s trade partners around the world. The United Arab Emirates has also said it would suspend trade relations with Iran. Washington’s precise measures remain unclear, although the US Treasury announced sanctions on Turkiye’s Golden Global Bank on September 4, accusing it of facilitating funds for Iran.

We will have to worry about it when the US says what action it will actually take.

· Jose Luis GuerreroThe exporter said the industry could not assess the threat until Washington clarifies its measures.

“This threat from the United States could be a problem for us. Our biggest supplier by far is Iran. Then we sell it to markets all over the world,” said Jose Luis Guerrero of CEAE, a Spanish saffron export company founded in 1904. “We will have to worry about it when the US says what action it will actually take.”

We still have saffron from Castilla-La Mancha. Paella is not in danger.

· Maria NaranjoThe ICEX agrifoods director said domestic production would help prevent a shortage for Spanish consumers.

Maria Naranjo, director for agrifoods at Spain’s state trade and investment body ICEX, said Spain was a particularly important gateway for Iranian saffron into Europe. Spanish companies also process, package, brand and distribute the spice internationally. She said disruption would not necessarily cause shortages for Spanish consumers or Spanish cuisine, but could hit businesses involved in the supply chain. “We still have saffron from Castilla-La Mancha. Paella is not in danger,” she said. Around 150 saffron flowers are needed to produce one gram of dried saffron.

Those who stand with the United States will reap the rewards of our partnership. Those who tether themselves to the Iranian regime should expect to share in the isolation.

· Scott BessentThe US Treasury secretary described Washington’s intended pressure on Iran’s trading partners.
About this summary

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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