Spain and China strengthen their collaboration with the signing of three new protocols benefiting the pork, fisheries and aquaculture sectors

King Felipe VI, together with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, and of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, within the framework of the State visit of the King and Queen to China

Spain and China have strengthened their collaboration in the agri-food sector with the signing of three new protocols that benefit the pork and fisheries sectors, within the framework of the State visit of the King and Queen of Spain to the People's Republic of China, which expand trade opportunities for the pork, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, remarked that "these agreements consolidate mutual health confidence and expand export opportunities for the Spanish agri-food sector".

One of the most significant, due to the strategic importance of the Spanish pork sector and its exports to China, is the African swine fever regionalisation protocol, which comes into force on November 12, 2025, with the signing of the protocol. This is a very important agreement that reflects the zoning and compartmentalisation mutually recognised by China and Spain.

This means that, if this disease is detected in an area of Spain, the whole country will not be closed to exports, but only the affected area, as international trade will be able to continue from areas considered free of the disease.

A strategic sector in international trade

The Spanish pork sector occupies a strategic position in international trade due to its production, quality and export capacity. Spanish pork exports to China reached 540,000 tonnes, valued at over €1.097 billion, in 2024.

Spain is one of the world's major pork exporters and China has established itself as the most important destination for Spanish pork exports. "This protocol is key to protecting the Spanish pork sector, a pillar of international exports," according to Planas, who added that it "strengthens international confidence in Spanish production."

Other protocols signed

Two additional protocols regulating exports of fishery products to China have also been signed. The quarantine and hygiene requirements for fish oil, fishmeal and other aquatic animal proteins and fats intended for animal feed facilitate trade in these by-products made in Spain for use in animal feed.

The third protocol is about the inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for aquaculture products intended for export. It stipulates that authorised Spanish establishments must comply with the food safety and health standards required by both countries, and it also reinforces confidence in the high quality and sanitary control of Spanish aquaculture products.

Non official translation