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Spanish pork exports to third countries fell by 14% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest data from CEXGAN. Between January and March, total shipments reached 337,059 tons, compared to 392,091 tons exported in the same period of 2025.
The confirmation of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Spain in November 2025 conditioned the evolution of exports at the beginning of 2026, and caused temporary restrictions in several third-country markets.
Evolution of Spanish pork exports to third countries in Q1. Source: 333 based on data from CEXGAN.
The evolution of Spanish foreign trade continued to be marked by a progressive decline in exports to China, which remained the main destination for Spanish pork despite a sharp reduction in its purchases. In the period from January to March 2026, exports to the Chinese market totaled 119,687 tons, 21.3% less than in the same period of the previous year and far from the 479,533 tons recorded in the first quarter of 2021.
Despite this decline, Asia continued to account for a significant portion of Spanish pork exports. South Korea strengthened its position as one of the most dynamic markets, increasing its purchases by 53.1% to 64,741 tons. This is compared to 42,279 tons for the same period in 2025. Vietnam also gained prominence, reaching 36,086 tons.
Japan was still featured in the first-quarter 2026 figures with 20,875 tonnes, although the market remained affected by the closure imposed following the detection of ASF in Spain. On the other hand, the Philippines, which had established itself in recent years as the third largest destination, did not import any Spanish pork in the first quarter of 2026 after closing its borders to the product to the ASF outbreak. However, last Friday, May 15, the Philippine Department of Agriculture announced the reopening of its market to Spanish pork, applying the principle of regionalization.
Exports to the United Kingdom, the fifth-largest destination, suffered a 15.6% decrease, with 15,968 tons.
May 15, 2026/ 333 Staff with data from CEXGAN.
