In the first quarter of 2026, Spanish pork exports to third countries decreased by 14% year-on-year. According to CEXGAN data, shipments totaled 337.1 thousand tonnes between January and March, compared to 392.1 thousand tonnes in the same period of 2025.
The key factor behind the decline was the confirmation of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in November 2025, which led to temporary restrictions imposed by several importing countries.
The most significant drop was recorded in exports to China, which, despite the decline, remains the main market for Spanish pork. In Q1, exports to China amounted to 119.7 thousand tonnes, down 21.3% from the previous year and well below earlier levels.
At the same time, Asian markets continue to play an important role in the export structure. South Korea significantly increased its imports by 53.1% to 64.7 thousand tonnes, becoming one of the most dynamic markets. Shipments to Vietnam also grew, reaching 36.1 thousand tonnes.
Japan remained among the export destinations with 20.9 thousand tonnes, although trade with this market is still affected by restrictions imposed after the ASF detection in Spain.
Meanwhile, the Philippines, which had previously ranked among the top three destinations for Spanish pork, did not import any product in Q1 2026 following the closure of its market. However, in mid-May, the country announced the reopening of its market under the regionalisation principle.
Exports to the United Kingdom, the fifth-largest market, also declined by 15.6% to 16 thousand tonnes.
Overall, Spanish pork exports at the beginning of 2026 faced pressure from disease-related restrictions and weaker demand in key markets, although a shift toward other Asian destinations has partially offset these losses.
PigUA.info, based on euromeatnews.com