Spain has reached an agreement with Algeria to permit the export of live sheep by ship for slaughter, effective from April 21 for animals aged between 6 and 24 months. This decision has been met with strong criticism from the National Association of Meat Industries (ANICE), which argues that it will decrease supplies to national slaughterhouses, potentially exacerbating price tensions at a time of rising sheep prices due to a declining population and increased exports to Morocco and Algeria. Despite concerns over health risks from return shipments and the impact on the meat chain and the 'Spain Brand', the export of beef and offal to Algeria has seen significant growth in recent years.