Trade between Spain and China is shifting due to new export agreements for meat and plant-based products. Read more about export opportunities for Spanish pork products.
For example, a regionalisation principle has been agreed upon for the export of poultry meat in the event of a potential outbreak of avian influenza or Newcastle disease. Under this principle, exports from non-infected areas can continue. Various phytosanitary agreements have also been made for plant-based products, including pistachios and figs. Agreements have likewise been made for the export of pork products that offer new opportunities for Spanish exporters.
New product categories added
Two important agreements have been signed for the Spanish pork chain. One of these makes it possible to export processed animal proteins, which can improve the valorization of slaughter by-products. Additionally, cooked and heat-treated pork products can also be sold to Chinese buyers in the future.
Good tires have an effect
It is not the first time that both countries have sought rapprochement and strengthened trade relations with new agreements. In November last year, Spain and China already made agreements on regionalisation principles in the event of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks. Shortly thereafter, this principle came into effect after infected wild boars were found near Barcelona.
Export figures
The effect of such agreements is also visible in the export figures, according to data from the European statistical office Eurostat. Despite ample availability of pork in China and the ASF outbreak in Spain, exports fell by approximately 12% year-on-year in December 2025. Consequently, a large part of the export position was maintained. In the same month, without ASF, the Netherlands saw its export volume decline by approximately 54%.