ASF Spain: Update on incidents in pork product exports

Following the detection of African swine fever (ASF) in Catalonia, Spain has begun to receive mixed responses from international markets regarding pork product exports. According to statements made at various briefings and interviews, as well as information published by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, several third countries have adopted restrictive measures, while others have initiated review processes that could allow for market reopening.

• China, the main destination for Spanish exports, has closed its borders only to the province of Barcelona. This regionalization includes the districts of Osona, Bages, and Lluçanès, where a significant portion of Catalan pork production is concentrated. Furthermore, according to government information, a total of 14 meat processing plants within the province of Barcelona will be unable to export to China.
• Japan, the fourth leading destination, has completely suspended imports and, unlike China, does not accept regionalization. The Spanish Ministry is working to get the country to accept a scheme similar to the one already approved by China.
• South Korea accepts regionalization, a result of the existing agreement between the EU and that country.
• The Philippines, while accepting regionalization, is not currently authorizing CEXGAN certificates and is awaiting a prompt solution.
• Serbia is in negotiations to accept the regionalization of the EU.
• Chile, in principle, accepts the regionalization of the EU.
• Mexico has also suspended imports from Spain. In this context, the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, held an in-person meeting in Mexico City with the Minister of Agriculture, who agreed to hear firsthand about the epidemiological situation and the containment measures implemented. Both parties committed to maintaining constant communication with the aim of reopening the Mexican market "as soon as possible."
• Argentina lifted restrictions on some products, such as pork products cured for at least six months or salted tripe.

Other markets that remain closed and with which reopening is being negotiated include Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Cuba, Ukraine, Vietnam, Thailand, and Canada.