Late last month, African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in Spain for the first time since 1994. ASF was first found in two dead wild boars in the Barcelona area, located in the Catalonia region. Eleven more wild boars, found dead in the same area, later tested positive. Catalonia accounts for about 8% of Spain’s hog production.
In this audio report, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President for Economic Analysis Erin Borror explains that Spain is the European Union’s largest pork producer and the number two global pork exporter, trailing only the United States.
Because China recently reached an ASF regionalization agreement with Spain, China only suspended imports from establishments located in Barcelona province. South Korea also recognizes ASF regionalization for 14 EU member states, including Spain, so Korea will continue to accept imports from regions of Spain not affected by ASF. The United Kingdom and all EU member states will also accept imports from ASF-free regions of Spain.
Trading partners suspending all pork imports from Spain include Japan and the Philippines, which are Spain’s second and third largest non-EU export markets, respectively. Malaysia, which is sixth largest and where Spain holds 35% market share, also suspended all imports, along with Mexico, Taiwan and Thailand. Borror points out those closed markets may provide some incremental export opportunities for U.S. pork.
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact John Herath or Joe Schuele.