The agreement aims to ensure the continuity of French pork and offal exports to Japan, even in the event of an ASF outbreak in France. According to the terms, exports may resume once the European Commission formally recognizes regulated zones within France, and Japan adopts its own administrative decision based on this update.
Japan thus officially recognizes France’s zoning system and the effectiveness of its control measures, allowing pork trade from disease-free regions to continue.
This decision holds particular significance for France’s pig industry, as Japan is one of the largest non-EU markets for French pork. Exports of French pork products to Japan — particularly offal and bacon — represent a major segment of the country’s agri-food trade.
The agreement with Japan is the second of its kind for France; the first, also concerning ASF regionalization, was signed with China in 2021. It represents a joint achievement by government authorities and industry professionals who worked together for seven years to establish a regulatory framework ensuring trade stability amid biological risks.
The French Ministry of Agriculture and Food described the agreement with Japan as “a significant diplomatic and trade success” that strengthens France’s position in the global meat market and underscores the effectiveness of its veterinary control system.
PigUA.info based on materials from pig333.com