Spanish pork industry trade and ASF impact

The Spanish meat industry is navigating significant economic challenges and trade shifts driven by African Swine Fever (ASF).

In the first half of 2026, the industry experienced substantial export losses, particularly in Japan and Mexico, with a combined value reduction of approximately 350 million euros compared to 2025. Japan saw a 77.5% drop in the value of pork meat and offal exports. While some trade continued early in the year due to existing provisions, monthly exports to Japan fell from roughly 7,000 tons in January to 600 tons by June.

Conversely, Spain has seen progress in other markets through the application of the “regionalization principle” regarding ASF. This principle allowed the Philippines to reopen its market to Spanish pork products in May 2026, permitting exports from Spanish regions certified as disease-free. Following this, Spanish and Philippine agricultural ministers met in Manila to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in livestock, fisheries, and agricultural modernization.