Spain and China strengthen agri-food cooperation with six new agreements

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, during the signing of agreements on animal health and agri-food exports

Spain and China have reached new agreements on animal health and agri-food exports that strengthen bilateral cooperation and consolidate Spain's position as a safe and competitive supplier in this Asian market, one of the most important in the world. During the visit to China by the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, five new cooperation protocols and a memorandum of understanding on designations of origin were signed today.

A total of six agreements were signed. One protocol recognises regionalisation in the case of avian influenza and Newcastle disease for poultry exports from disease-free zones; another addresses phytosanitary matters for plant products, allowing the export of pistachios and dried figs to China; two relate to pork products; and one concerns the use of animal protein as fertiliser. In addition, a memorandum of understanding on geographical indications was signed.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, stresses that the protocols consolidate mutual trust between both countries and Spain's prestige as a source of safe food. "These agreements represent a strategic step to boost the bilateral relationship, diversify markets, and strengthen the Spanish production sector," he stated.

Since 2018, Spain and China have signed 22 cooperation agreements for food exports.

Strengthening the sanitary framework for poultry trade

China has recognised the regionalisation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease, which will allow for the establishment of a stable framework for exports of poultry and avian products.

This recognition of regionalisation for these two diseases is key to preventing trade disruptions in the event of outbreaks and ensuring the continuity of exports of poultry products from unaffected regions.

Phytosanitary protocol for plant products

Also noteworthy is the signing of a phytosanitary protocol that will allow the export of pistachios and dried figs from Spain to China.

This expands the portfolio of Spanish plant products authorised for export to China, which already includes fresh fruit (citrus fruits, peaches, plums, table grapes, and persimmons), nuts such as almonds, and products intended for animal feed.

Negotiations for this protocol began in September 2024, following the agreement reached in 2023 for almond exports. In 2025, the necessary technical exchange took place, and following the inclusion of dried figs, at the request of the export sector, both parties agreed on a joint protocol, the negotiation of which was finalised in March 2026. Before the start of exports, an inspection visit by Chinese authorities to Spanish production areas is planned.

New opportunities for the pork sector

In the pork sector, two highly significant agreements have been promoted, such as the protocol for the export of processed proteins, which will allow for the valorisation of by-products derived from Spain's powerful meat industry and will contribute to improving the sector's sustainability and competitiveness.

In addition, an amendment to the existing protocol for pork exports has been agreed upon, with the aim of including cooked products. This expansion will allow a greater number of Spanish companies to export heat-treated products and strengthen their presence in their main foreign market. China remains the most important destination for Spanish pork exports.

The opening of the Chinese market to fertilisers made from animal proteins, such as blood from the meat industry, is also being considered. This agreement will allow for the valorisation of by-products from both an economic and environmental perspective.

Furthermore, the memorandum of understanding on geographical indications, signed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China, focuses on cooperation between the two parties.

These agreements have been made possible thanks to the close collaboration between the Spanish export sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Chinese authorities, especially the General Administration of Customs.

Non official translation