The signing ceremony of the two momentous protocols took place in an atmosphere of collaboration and optimism, demonstrating the willingness of both governments to deepen their business relations.
The first of the agreements focuses on the Export of fresh cherries from Spain to China, a long-awaited achievement for the Spanish fruit sector. Until now, this delicious fruit lacked direct access to the vast Chinese market, limiting its growth potential. The new protocol establishes the requirementsphytosanitary and quality control issues that Spanish cherries must meet to be admitted to China. This includes strict regulations regarding processing, packaging, storage, and transportation, processes that will be under the close supervision of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Under the agreement, the Spanish ministry will be responsible for ensuring that only cherries from duly registered orchards can enter the processing facilities for further selection and processing for export. This measure seeks to ensure product traceability and quality, essential elements for gaining the trust of Chinese consumers. The protocol for the export of cherries will be valid for three years. as of today, April 11, 2025, the date of its signing.
The second protocol signed between Spain and China focuses on the Expansion of pork products that can be exported from Spanish territory to the Asian marketPork is now the main agricultural product that Spain sells to China, reaching a value of €2024 million in 571, representing 31% of total Spanish exports to that country. Despite experiencing a slight decline from the all-time high recorded in 2020, the Spanish pork sector continues to consider China a highly important strategic market.
The Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, Sun Meijun, highlighted the potential of these Spanish products in the Chinese market, anticipating greater demand for their quality and flavor.
The new agreement will allow diversifying the supply of Spanish pork products in China, opening the door to the export of cuts and processed products that were previously unauthorised. This is excellent news for the Spanish meat industry, which is seeking new growth opportunities and the consolidation of its presence in the Asian market. The pork protocol will be valid for five years and will be automatically renewed for equal and consecutive periods, ensuring long-term stability for commercial relations in this sector.
The minister louis planesVisibly pleased after signing the agreements, he declared: "These two new protocols are a clear example of the excellent bilateral relationship that we maintain with China in the agri-food sector. The opening of the Chinese market to our cherries is welcome news for our producers and represents a great opportunity for the sector. Likewise, the expansion of pork products we can export will consolidate our position as a trusted supplier in this important market.
For her part, the minister Sun Meijun He emphasized the quality of Spanish agri-food products and their potential in the Chinese market: "Spain is an important trading partner for China in the agri-food sector. We greatly value the quality and safety of your products. We are confident that both the cherries and the expanded pork range will be well received by our consumers.
Since 2018, collaboration between Spain and China in the agri-food sector has resulted in the signing of a total of ten sanitary or phytosanitary protocols. In addition to cherries and pork, these agreements have facilitated the export of other Spanish products such as olive paste, pet food, feed oats, almonds, and persimmons. These advances demonstrate the commitment of both countries to establish a regulatory framework that facilitates trade and guarantees food security.
In the general context of agri-food trade, Spanish sales to China currently represent 2,5% of the sector's total exports. However, China has established itself as a key strategic market for numerous Spanish companies, ranking as Spain's ninth largest market in value globally and the third largest outside the EU, behind only China. United Kingdom and United StatesIn 2024, the value of Spanish agri-food exports to China reached €1.864 billion, generating a positive balance of €253 million in the agri-food trade balance with the Asian country. The new protocols for cherry exports and the expansion of the pork market are expected to significantly contribute to further strengthening these trade ties and increasing the value of Spanish exports in the coming years.
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