This paper examines the influence of Jacques Necker in Spain, both as a politician and as a writer on economics. We find that a significant amount of the literature produced at the height of the Spanish Economic Enlightenment bears the mark of Necker´s influence. This, in turn, inspired a movement that proved extremely influential in the formulation of economic policy between 1780 and 1800, particulary in areas such as the grain market, public finances and national administration. This makes clear that not only was Necker´s work well known in Spain, but that it was also crucial to the economic and reform iniciatives undertaken during this period. All this demands a re-evaluation of his role: it is no longer acceptable to explain away Necker´s writings as a mere reaction against Physiocracy and its radical and dogmatic liberalism.

Key words: Jacques Necker, economic enlightenment, physiocracy, antiphysiocracy, liberal mercantilism.
Clasificación JEL: B11, B30.