Spain Halts Pork Exports to Cuba Amid African Swine Fever Outbreak

The discovery of African Swine Fever in two wild boars in the region of Catalonia has prompted the Spanish government to immediately halt pork exports to numerous countries, including Cuba, which heavily relies on foreign imports as its domestic production plummets.

This situation has led to Spain losing its status as a disease-free country with the World Organization for Animal Health, triggering an automatic suspension of around 120 health export certificates to nearly 40 destinations, as reported by La Vanguardia.

Among the impacted nations is Cuba, which has increasingly turned to pork imports in recent years due to a drastic decline in local production.

Spanish authorities have clarified that the suspension affects fresh, refrigerated, or frozen meat, sausages, hams, offal, fat, animal feed, genetic material, breeding animals, intestines, and other pork derivatives.

This measure will remain in place until the health situation is reassessed and agreements with each country are revised.

In markets that accept "regionalization," such as China or South Korea, the ban is limited to products from Barcelona, where the cases were found. However, most countries have imposed total bans.

China, the largest buyer of Spanish pork, will continue to import with the specified territorial exception. In 2024, Spain exported 540,000 tons of pork there, valued at over 1.1 billion euros, including low-demand items in Europe like bones and offal, which help sustain industry margins and prices.

The repercussions for Cuba are particularly severe. Pork has been one of the most imported Spanish products on the island, crucial for both foreign currency stores and tourism.

This occurs amid a nearly 90% drop in local pork production from 2018 to 2022. Reports from ICEX Spain Export and Investment had already warned of payment delays and defaults by the Cuban government, although new private entities have been more efficient when transactions are prepaid from abroad.

Despite increased imports from Spain in previous years, the average Cuban consumer saw little improvement, continuing to face prohibitive prices in the informal market, with state distribution almost non-existent.

The temporary export suspension adds uncertainty to a market where pork is traditionally part of year-end celebrations, and the Cuban government has acknowledged that the high cost of animal feed prevents any price reductions.

This Spanish measure further exposes the vulnerability of a nation increasingly dependent on external supplies and facing another season without the capacity to ensure a basic staple in its diet and festive culture.

For many Cuban families, buying even a few pounds of pork has become an unattainable luxury amid chronic shortages of essential goods, inflation, and growing food insecurity.

A recent economic analysis also revealed that the maximum price of a pound of pork shoulder in Havana rose from 580 to 980 pesos in just over a year, a 68.9% increase that has left much of the population without access to this traditional protein source.

As a creative alternative, some content creators have suggested more affordable substitutes. For instance, a Cuban influencer showcased "eggplant steak" as a vegan and economical option for those unable to purchase pork.