Spain: Spanish Livestock Exports Keep Trotting to non-EU Markets

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, the Spanish meat sector overcame initial disruptions and worked at normal capacity to satisfy domestic and export demand. Fueled by high Chinese demand and outbreaks of African Swine Fever in Northern Europe, Spanish pork production and exports reached record levels. Spanish pork exports are pivoting from the EU to Asia. Spanish exports of live cattle and beef exports partially alleviated the loss in meat sales through the Spanish hospitality sector. Conversely, due to the closure of the Hotels, Restaurants, and Institutions, (HRI), Spanish imports of beef declined sharply, as Spanish imports are mainly destined for the hospitality sector. The Spanish meat sector will invest around $4.2 billion (partially through the EU funds) to improve animal welfare, sustainability, and modernize the sector. The sector's strategy is now focused on a more controlled expansion and diversification of export markets.