A Spanish hatmaker that has supplied Orthodox Jewish communities in the United States for more than four decades is facing severe disruption due to new American import tariffs. Fernández y Roche, based in Seville, produces roughly 30,000 black felt hats annually for export to customers in New York and New Jersey. A 10 per cent duty has now been imposed on those shipments, with a possible increase to 50 per cent pending further trade negotiations between Washington and Brussels. The company accounts for 60 per cent of the estimated 100,000 hats purchased each year by Orthodox Jewish men globally, with around half of Fernández y Roche’s output going to the US market. The hats, worn daily from the age of 13 and typically replaced every three years, retail at between $120 and $380 depending on the model. The new tariffs are part of a broader trade strategy initiated by President Donald Trump, who announced sweeping duties on EU goods earlier this year. The increase to 50 per cent has been delayed until 9 July, giving European governments and exporters limited time to respond. The company’s managing director, Abraham Mazuecos, has stated that Fernández y Roche cannot reduce its prices to absorb the tariff without incurring losses. US importers are reportedly considering domestic alternatives to avoid the new charges. In April, the Spanish government launched a €14.1 billion support programme in response to the Trump administration’s tariff escalation. The plan includes credit lines, export guarantees and emergency subsidies for affected sectors. Fernández y Roche, founded in 1885, operates one of Europe’s last traditional hatmaking facilities. The factory uses labour-intensive production methods and exports to over 20 countries. US buyers, particularly from religious communities, represent a significant share of the firm’s revenue. Talks between US and EU trade officials are ongoing. The European Commission has requested investment data from European exporters in order to present a unified negotiating position. Brussels has not announced any retaliatory measures. Fernández y Roche is continuing production for now, but executives have warned that further duties could make exports to the US commercially unviable. Industry groups in Spain have urged the EU to prioritise small manufacturer protections in any future agreement....