Spain's meat production rises as pork output climbs and export growth faces African Swine Fever risk

In the first quarter of 2026 Spain recorded a rise in pork slaughter, with more than 15 million animals processed – a 4 % increase over the same period a year earlier – and pork meat production grew 5.4 % to 1.48 million tonnes. Sheep slaughter fell 2.6 % and meat output dropped 1.7 %, while goat numbers also declined. Cattle slaughter increased and the national herd stabilized at about 6.7 million head, up 3 % from April 2025, reversing a multi‑year decline. Prices remain above the EU average.

Spanish meat‑processing firms expanded export sales by 2.59 % in 2025, reaching €11.627 billion, and overall industry turnover surpassed €44 billion, a 4.4 % yearly gain. The sector produced over eight million tonnes of meat in 2025, a 5.3 % rise, the first time exceeding that volume. However, African Swine Fever is expected to sharply affect 2026, with an 8.6 % drop in export revenue in the first two months of the year. Industry leaders cite market access constraints, geopolitical tensions, higher fuel and packaging costs, and the upcoming EU‑Mercosur trade agreement as additional challenges.