Spain secures exports to China in case of ASF outbreak

China. Within the European Union, a policy of regionalisation is being applied in case of outbreaks of livestock diseases like ASF. That means that trade can continue despite an outbreak, because only the affected region will have to suspend its trade. Regionalisation agreements with countries outside the EU – especially China – have proved to be complex to arrange. The regionalisation agreement was made by the Spanish authorities, the private sector and Chinese officials in a coordinated effort. It was one of the documents signed mid-November during an official state visit of Spanish king Felipe VI to the Chinese capital. By creating zones within Spain, pork exports to China could continue even if ASF outbreaks would occur in parts of the country. The regionalisation agreement guarantees that pork and pork products from ASF-free zones can continue to be traded. The agreement also applies to ASF outbreaks taking place in some Chinese regions. Interporc, the Spanish pig industry’s ...