Spain secures exports to China in case of ASF outbreak

Spain and China have signed a regionalisation agreement in case African Swine Fever (ASF) would arrive in the European country.

For a good number of years now, Spain has been the number #1 pig producing country in Europe; and the country is also Europe’s largest pork exporter. Most of the exports are being shipped to China.

Within the European Union, a policy of regionalisation is being applied in case of outbreaks of livestock diseases like ASF. That means that trade can continue despite an outbreak, because only the affected region will have to suspend its trade. Regionalisation agreements with countries outside the EU – especially China – have proved to be complex to arrange.

The regionalisation agreement was made by the Spanish authorities, the private sector and Chinese officials in a coordinated effort. It was one of the documents signed mid-November during an official state visit of Spanish king Felipe VI to the Chinese capital.

By creating zones within Spain, pork exports to China could continue even if ASF outbreaks would occur in parts of the country. The regionalisation agreement guarantees that pork and pork products from ASF-free zones can continue to be traded. The agreement also applies to ASF outbreaks taking place in some Chinese regions.

Interporc, the Spanish pig industry’s trade association, expressed its satisfaction for the signing, calling it a strategic step for the Spanish pork sector. The organisation said that the development strengthens Spain’s position as a solid and reliable partner for China in the agricultural and food sectors.

Previously, both countries had already concluded trade agreements at the Spain-China 2025 Trade and Investment Forum. The Spanish ministry of economy, trade and entrepreneurship signed 6 agreements with the Chinese ministry of commerce and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The aim of signing these memoranda is to strengthen cooperation in all areas of the pork sector, from health protocols, innovation, and exports to marketing, sustainability and the development of new markets.

Tags: outbreaks, China, exports, pork, African Swine Fever, Spain, agreement