Spanish meat exports decline as global demand shifts sharply

Tuesday 12 May 2026 - 15:09

By: Dakir Madiha

Spanish meat exports decline as global demand shifts sharply

Spanish exports of meat and processed meat products fell by 13 percent during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting weaker international demand and major changes across key export markets. Data from Spain’s agricultural export monitoring system showed total overseas shipments reached 393,585 tonnes between January and March, while March exports alone dropped 14 percent year over year to 135,941 tonnes.

The decline affected several major product categories. Beef exports posted the steepest contraction, falling 19 percent to 12,950 tonnes during the quarter. Processed meat products also declined sharply, decreasing 17 percent to 14,517 tonnes. Pork, which remains Spain’s dominant meat export sector, dropped 14 percent to 337,059 tonnes as Asian demand weakened significantly. Poultry exports moved in the opposite direction, increasing 2.3 percent to 23,434 tonnes, while sheep and goat meat exports rose 2.1 percent to 5,626 tonnes.

China remained the central factor behind the slowdown in pork exports. Spanish pork shipments to the Chinese market declined from 152,060 tonnes to 119,687 tonnes within a year, underscoring a broader cooling in Chinese import demand. The Philippines also disappeared from Spain’s pork trade map after closing its market due to African swine fever restrictions. At the same time, South Korea increased imports to 64,741 tonnes compared with 42,279 tonnes a year earlier. Vietnam also expanded purchases, reaching 36,086 tonnes as Asian supply chains adjusted to shifting regional demand.

The beef sector experienced weakness across multiple destinations. Algeria reduced imports to 8,101 tonnes after a decline of around 850 tonnes. Morocco also cut purchases of Spanish beef by roughly 1,000 tonnes, lowering imports to 939 tonnes during the period. Canada returned as a destination market with 594 tonnes imported. In poultry exports, Guinea ranked as the largest destination with 5,614 tonnes ahead of Great Britain with 4,895 tonnes. Sheep and goat meat exports remained heavily concentrated in Algeria, which accounted for 4,807 tonnes, far ahead of the United Kingdom with only 203 tonnes.

The figures illustrate how global meat trade flows continue to shift under the pressure of animal health concerns, changing consumption patterns and fluctuating import policies. Spain remains one of Europe’s largest meat exporters, but the latest quarter shows growing dependence on a smaller group of resilient Asian and regional markets as traditional buyers reduce orders.