Philippines lifts Spanish pork ban after African swine fever outbreak

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has issued a memorandum order recognizing regionalization for African swine fever and has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of pork products and by-products, including meat from Spain, effective May 7.

All import transactions involving swine products and by-products must comply with bilaterally agreed import terms and conditions on regionalization, DA Administrative Circular No. 12, series of 2025, as well as the existing rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture, according to a circular dated May 7.

In December 2025, several countries, including Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines, implemented full import bans on Spanish pork following the outbreak of African swine fever. The ban prompted Spanish exporters to redirect shipments to alternative markets such as South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore, putting pressure on prices in those destinations.

Southeast Asian market participants reacted positively to the regionalization and lifting of the Spanish pork ban, noting that Spain is an important supplier to the Philippines.

The reopening of Spanish pork exports to the Philippines is expected to redirect trade flows away from some oversupplied regions, such as South Korea and Singapore, where cheaper pork products have accumulated due to competitive pricing driven by trade barriers, according to Asia-based importers.

"While the reopening to Spain is welcome news, the timing may be less than ideal for the Philippine market, as the country is currently experiencing ample supply," a Philippine importer said.

Two Japanese importers said wider recognition of regionalization could increase the likelihood of Japan reopening its market to Spanish pork.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed pork belly CFR North Asia at $4,240/mt on May 11, unchanged day over day.