The Philippines lifts restrictions on Spanish pork exports
The majority of Spain can resume its exports of pork to the Philippines. The Asian country had closed its borders for Spanish meat ever since African Swine Fever (ASF) was reported in wild boar in northern Spain, in November 2025.
As of Friday, 22 May, the issuance of Livestock Export Certificates for meat and meat products from ASF-free zones has become available, with a production date after 8 May. That was the key message the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) wrote in a press statement. Processed products remain excluded for the time being, as Spain and the Philippines are currently negotiating their terms.
The developments are the consequence of a regionalisation agreement reached by veterinary authorities of both countries. In the press release, MAPA added, “The agreement establishes a health framework that differentiates between restricted zones and those that maintain sufficient guarantees for international trade. Thus, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Philippines recognises the entire national territory as a disease-free zone, except for the province of Barcelona, which remains subject to export restrictions.”
Good news for the Spanish pork sector
The deal is good news for Spain’s pork sector. The Philippines is the third largest destination for Spanish pork exports by tonnage, accounting for more than 14% of the total. As the Asian country is also suffering from the consequences of ASF itself, it has grown to be dependent on pork imports in recent years.
MAPA wrote to be pleased with the new deal and wrote: “This recognition allows for the replacement of nationwide restrictions with an approach based on the actual health situation in each territory, in accordance with the principle of regionalisation. The measure contributes to greater trade stability and avoids unnecessary disruptions to export flows from unaffected areas.”
