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According to the official website of the Philippine Department of Agriculture, the country has lifted the temporary ban on imports of pork and pork products from Spain after officially recognizing the regionalization measures implemented against African swine fever (ASF).
Following the trade restrictions imposed after the detection of ASF in Spain, the Philippines had become one of the key markets still pending reopening for Spanish pork exports, alongside Japan, which still is closed to spanish pork imports.
The measure was formalized through Department Circular No. 22, signed by Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. The Philippines had suspended imports of Spanish pork last year through Memorandum Order No. 75 following the detection of the disease in the province of Barcelona.
Under the new directive, all import operations must comply with bilateral import protocols, Philippine quarantine regulations, and the guidelines established under Administrative Circular No. 12 of 2025, which created the framework for the bilateral recognition of ASF regionalization among accredited trading partners.
The Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry concluded, following its technical review, that Spain has sufficient veterinary surveillance and disease control measures in place to minimize the risk of ASF transmission through imported pork products. In addition, the veterinary authorities of both countries have defined the technical conditions applicable to shipments originating from areas considered at low risk.
The Philippine government believes that this reopening will help diversify pork supply sources and contribute to stabilizing domestic market prices as the country continues rebuilding its swine herd following the impact of ASF. Spain is one of the world’s leading pork exporters and has long maintained its status as an accredited supplier to the Philippine market.
The Department of Agriculture stated that the order takes effect immediately and will remain in force unless revoked or amended in writing.
15 May 2026/ DA/ Philippines.
https://www.da.gov.ph/
