Agreement with China on regionalization in case of the appearance of ASF

Spain and China signed a protocol on November 12 regarding the pork sector that allows for regionalization in case African swine fever (ASF) cases are detected in Spain. The agreement came into effect on the same day. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has emphasized that "this is a very important agreement that includes the zoning and compartmentalisation mutually recognized by China and Spain." Thus, it specifies, "in case this disease is detected in a region of Spain, there will not be a closure to exports for the entire country, but only for the affected area, as international trade will be able to continue from areas considered free of the disease." "In case this disease is detected in a region of Spain, there will not be a closure to exports for the entire country, but only for the affected area." According to the Ministry, Spanish pork exports to China reached 540,000 tons in 2024, worth more than 1.097 billion euros. The department has highlighted that ...