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Spain works with Japan to gain ASF regionalization recognition

During the meeting between the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, and the Japanese ambassador to Spain, Hiroshi Yamauchi, Planas insisted on making progress in the negotiations on ASF regionalization.

Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, met yesterday with the Japanese ambassador to Spain, Hiroshi Yamauchi, to analyze new opportunities to strengthen agri-food trade.

The minister highlighted Japan's importance as a trading partner, given that it is the second largest market in Asia, particularly for the pork sector. Therefore, following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the province of Barcelona, Spain is working to secure recognition of regionalization. Planas emphasized the need to move forward with these negotiations, especially regarding cured pork products, as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has confirmed that these products are free of ASF.

In 2025, Spain was the leading supplier of pork to the Japanese market, with a value of 648 million euros, representing approximately 56% of total Spanish agri-food exports to Japan.

May 7, 2026/ MAPA/ Spain.
https://www.mapa.gob.es

See the "Disease manual" for more information

African swine feverAfrican swine fever is one of the most important viral diseases in pigs. It is a systemic disease and is notifiable in most countries, that affects domestic and wild swine. There are no effective vaccines or treatments. It does not affect humans.