Archive · 29 Nov 2025
China bans Barcelona pork after Spain swine fever outbreak
Spain has found its first case of African swine fever in 30 years.
Two wild boars near Barcelona tested positive for the virus.
This is bad news because Spain is a big pork producer and sells a lot to China.
The virus doesn't hurt people but can kill pigs.
Spain is taking steps to stop the virus from spreading.
They are working with other countries to keep pork safe.
There might be some limits on pork exports, but not all of Spain's pork will be banned.
China has banned pork imports from Barcelona, and Spain has temporarily halted all pork shipments to China as a precaution.
The restrictions will last at least 12 months, and the pork industry is concerned about potential losses.
China has banned pork imports from Barcelona after Spain detected its first case of African swine fever in three decades.
Spain is the EU's leading pork producer, accounting for 25% of the bloc's output, with annual pork exports of about 3.5 billion euros.
Spain has temporarily halted all pork shipments to China until Beijing confirms the implementation of protocols to restrict trade only from the affected province.
The restrictions and special monitoring will last at least 12 months, and exports to Mexico and Japan will be restricted as they have no regionalisation agreements with Spain.
The pork industry is concerned about potential losses due to embargoes, especially in Asia, and farmers' associations are calling for better control of wild animals to prevent contamination.
- Who
- Spain's Agriculture Ministry and Chinese Customs
- What
- First case of African swine fever in 30 years
- When
- Reported on Friday
- Where
- Near Barcelona, Spain
- Why
- Unknown, investigations ongoing
Pork Industry Concerns
Government Measures
Impact on Exports
Pork Industry Concerns
The pork industry fears significant losses due to potential embargoes, especially in Asia, including China, which is a major market.
Government Measures
The Spanish government has implemented emergency measures and is working with international partners to limit the impact to affected regions only.
Wild Animal Management
Pork Industry Concerns
Farmers' associations highlight the need for better control of wild animals like boars and rabbits to prevent contamination.
Government Measures
Authorities are conducting a census of the wild boar population and monitoring their movements to contain the virus.
- Country
- Spain
- Virus
- African swine fever
- Last outbreak
- 1994
- Affected animals
- Two wild boar
- Location
- Near Barcelona
- Spain's EU pork share
- 25%
- China deal
- Regional restrictions only
- Virus impact
- Harmless to humans, deadly for pigs
- Pork exports to China
- 540,000 metric tons in 2024, worth 1.1 billion euros
- Restrictions duration
- At least 12 months
- Pork farms affected
- 39 within a 20-kilometre radius