Spain secures its agri-food exports to China: Three new health protocols boost the pork and fishing sectors

 

The governments of Spain and the People's Republic of China have consolidated their cooperation in terms of agri-food foreign trade through the rubric of three important protocolsThese documents are designed to expand business opportunities of the Spanish pork, fishing and aquaculture sectors in the Asian giant.

 

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, louis planes, has highlighted the meaning of these agreements. In his statements, the minister affirmed: "these agreements They strengthen mutual health trust and expand export opportunities for the Spanish agri-food sector."

 

Pork: A Pillar of Exports

 

The most significant agreement for the international Business of Spain is the African swine fever (ASF) regionalization protocol, which entered into force on November 12, 2025. This agreement represents a strategic milestone by recognizing the mutual zoning and compartmentalization between both countries.

 

This measure of zoning This means that if a case of African swine fever (ASF) is detected in a specific area of ​​Spain, Exports will not be halted from the rest of the territory that remains free of the disease. In this way, the fluidity of international trade from unaffected areas.

 

The Spanish pork sector boasts a leading position globally due to its production, high quality and robust export capacity. In 2024, pork exports to China reached an impressive figure of 540.000 tonnes , valued at more than 1.097 million eurosChina has established itself as the most relevant export destination for this meat.

 

Planas emphasized the importance of this protection: "This protocol is key to protecting the Spanish pork sector"...an international export pillar," and added that "it reinforces international confidence in Spanish production."

 

New Avenues for Fishery and Aquaculture Products

 

In addition to the pork protocol, two additional documents regulating the exports of fishery products to China:

 

Requirements for fish oil and fishmeal: This protocol facilitates trade in Spanish by-products such as fish oil and fishmeal, and other proteins and fats from aquatic animals, intended for use in animal feed.

 

Aquaculture requirements: The third protocol establishes the inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for aquaculture productsIt requires that authorized Spanish establishments strictly comply with the food safety and health standards demanded by both nations, which strengthens confidence in the high quality and health control of Spanish aquaculture.