Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on November 29, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Swine fever outbreak in Spain blocks a third of pork export certificates, affecting global trade. EU exports mostly unaffected.
MADRID, Nov 29 (Reuters) - About one third of Spanish pork export certificates have been blocked after the first outbreak of swine fever for three decades, Spain's agriculture minister said on Saturday.
"Of the 400 export certificates to 104 countries, a third are blocked. We are working to open them as quickly as possible," Agriculture Minister Luis Planas told a press conference.
The virus, last recorded in Spain in 1994, was detected in six wild boar near Barcelona.
Planas said the value of the country's pork exports is 8.8 billion euros ($10.20 billion), of which 58% goes to the European Union.
He said exports to the EU were not affected except those which fell within a 20-kilometre zone near the source of the outbreak.
"Our task is to keep international markets open," he added.
Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia has barred access to a major natural park after six wild boar found dead near Barcelona tested positive for African swine fever.
The Collserola park was closed for all leisure activities and outdoor activities were restricted in 60 villages near the centre of the outbreak, the Catalan Agriculture Ministry said late on Friday.
Catalan authorities will deploy traps for wild boar and deploy police to enforce barriers to the area.
African swine fever is not harmful to humans but spreads rapidly among pigs and wild boar.
Taiwan was the latest country to announce restrictions on Spanish pork imports, when its agriculture ministry said on Saturday it had banned all pork products and live pig imports.
China has banned pork imports from Barcelona province, a Chinese Customs document seen by Reuters showed.
Britain on Friday said it would temporarily stop imports of pork meat from Catalonia. Mexico has suspended imports of pork products from Spain.
$1 = 0.8624 euros)
(Reporting by Graham Keeley, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Kirsten Donovan)
Swine fever, specifically African swine fever, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It is not harmful to humans but can lead to significant economic losses in the pig farming industry.
Pork exports are crucial for countries like Spain, contributing significantly to their economy. They provide income for farmers and businesses while meeting international demand for pork products.
A quarantine zone is an area designated to restrict the movement of animals or goods to prevent the spread of diseases. It is often enforced during outbreaks of contagious diseases like swine fever.
The European Union (EU) facilitates trade among its member states by establishing common regulations and standards, promoting free movement of goods, and negotiating trade agreements with other countries.
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