Spain and Philippines strengthen agricultural and pork trade ties

Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas met with Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. in Manila to strengthen bilateral ties following the reopening of the Philippine market to Spanish pork products. This reopening, effective since May 22, follows the application of the regionalization principle regarding African Swine Fever (ASF), allowing exports to resume from Spanish regions certified as disease-free.

The Philippine market is highly significant for the Spanish pork sector, representing 14% of its total export volume and serving as its third-largest destination. Spain is currently the second-largest pork supplier to the Philippines, trailing only Brazil. In 2025, Spanish pork exports to the country reached a value of 86.78 million euros, supported by 175 authorized establishments.

Beyond pork, the ministers discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, with a focus on modernization, digitalization, productivity, and climate change adaptation. In 2025, total Spanish agri-food exports to the Philippines were valued at 577.07 million euros, resulting in a trade surplus of 318.48 million euros for Spain.