Spain Halts Pork Exports to China Amid First African Swine Fever Case in Three Decades

Spain has temporarily stopped pork exports to China following the discovery of African swine fever in wild boar near Barcelona. This measure, in response to a bilateral protocol with China, affects pork farms in a 20-kilometer radius. Emergency protocols are being enacted to prevent further spread.

Spain has temporarily ceased all pork exports to China after African swine fever was confirmed in wild boar near Barcelona, marking the first such outbreak in three decades. The discovery arrives amid ongoing efforts by Spain to secure a greater share in China's pork market.

The Director-General of Agri-Food Production Health and Animal Welfare, Emilio Garcia, announced that the suspension was in accordance with a recently agreed bilateral protocol with Chinese authorities. Once the protocol is officially recognized by China, Spain could restart exports from regions unaffected by the outbreak. Catalonia, where the wild boar were found, contributes about 7% of Spain's pork production.

The European pork market faces potential disruption, with Spain, the EU's top producer, encountering increased challenges amid existing price drops and trade barriers. However, emergency measures are being implemented to curb the spread, including restrictions within a 20-kilometer radius of the infected area.

(With inputs from agencies.)