China Signs Agricultural Trade Deal with Spain Amid US-China Tariff Tensions

Beijing/Madrid, April 11 (Reuters) – China has signed two new agricultural trade protocols with Spain, covering Spanish pork and cherries, in a move to strengthen ties with the European Union amidst intensifying US-China trade tensions. The agreement was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his visit to Beijing on Friday.

Pork Deal Opens Doors for Offal Exports to China

The new protocols include pork products that were previously restricted, such as pork stomachs—a delicacy in China but not widely consumed in Europe. The agreement marks a significant step forward for Spain’s meat industry, opening fresh opportunities in the world’s largest pork import market.

Daniel de Miguel, International Manager at Interporc, Spain’s pork producers association, noted the importance of the deal:

“This new inclusion is vital, as pork offal—such as stomachs, ears, and feet—is in high demand in China but often has limited value in European markets.”

The National Association of Spanish Meat Industries (ANICE) also welcomed the deal, citing the increasing global trade volatility:

“In a context of enormous international commercial turbulence, we welcome this gesture from China, which opens new doors for our pork exports,” the organisation said in a statement.

Strategic Timing Amid US-China Tariff Escalation

This agreement comes shortly after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% duties on US goods. Amid this escalating tariff war, China’s trade pivot towards the European Union is seen as a strategic counterbalance.

Potential Impact on Anti-Dumping Probe

Analysts believe the pork deal could signal a softening in China’s stance on its ongoing anti-dumping investigation into EU pork—a probe launched in response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

“This is great news for Spain’s pig farmers,” said Even Rogers Pay, agriculture analyst at Trivium China. “It suggests Chinese regulators may delay or ease the pork investigation, similar to what we’ve recently seen with EU brandy.”

The investigation, if fully enforced, could heavily impact top EU pork exporters like Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands, whose exports to China are dominated by offal cuts not commonly consumed in Europe.

Strengthening EU-China Agricultural Trade

The agreement underscores China’s broader strategy of building economic bridges with the EU while reducing reliance on the US during ongoing trade disputes. It also offers a boost to Spain’s agri-food sector, particularly amid volatile international market conditions.

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Key Takeaways:

• China and Spain sign trade deal covering pork (including stomachs) and cherries.

• The deal may ease pressure from China’s anti-dumping probe on EU pork.

• Agreement comes amid escalating US-China tariffs and trade realignments.

• Positive outlook for Spanish pork exports and EU-China agri-trade relations.

Original source: Reuters

 

Lamb Prices Strengthen Amid Tight Supply and Export Demand

The Irish sheep trade saw a notable shift in late March 2025, with lamb prices firming after several weeks of decline. According to market reports, base quotes from major processors rose to €8.70–€8.80/kg for well-finished lambs, with Quality Assurance (QA) bonuses included. Sellers at the top end of the market are securing €9.10–€9.20/kg, along with higher carcass weight allowances up to 23.5kg.

Supply Constraints Driving Market Trends

The upward price movement is largely driven by tight lamb supplies and stable demand from both domestic and export markets. The Irish ewe flock contracted by 3.7% in December 2023 compared to the previous year, representing a reduction of 107,000 head. This decline is contributing to the limited availability of lambs for processing.

Other key lamb-producing regions in Europe and the UK are also experiencing supply constraints, with Eurostat data showing a contraction in breeding flock numbers.

Weekly Price Movements

For the week ending March 22nd, 2025:

• Reported deadweight lamb price: €8.47/kg, down €0.10/kg from the previous week.
• In 2024, the same week recorded a price of €8.50/kg.

Across the UK:

• Mainland GB lamb prices: Equivalent to €8.79/kg, up €0.04/kg.
• Northern Ireland: Prices fell to €8.06/kg, down €0.30/kg.

Prices for Southern Hemisphere lamb remain lower but are improving:

• Australia and New Zealand: Both reported prices of €4.48/kg, narrowing the gap with EU markets.

Throughput and Slaughter Data

The total sheep kill in DAFM-approved plants dropped to 37,117 head last week, compared to 53,922 during the same week in 2024. Year-to-date slaughter is down 22%, totaling 479,860 head. A smaller lamb crop and challenging lambing conditions have impacted availability for processing throughout the 2025 season.

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Conclusion

The Irish sheep market is showing signs of recovery, with lamb prices rising due to constrained supply and steady export demand. As global supply tightens, Irish producers may benefit from improved competitiveness in EU markets over the medium term.

Bord Bia

Strong Throughput and Rising Prices Define Irish Beef Sector

Ireland’s beef industry continues to show resilience in early 2025, with cattle throughput and prices trending upward. According to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), 31,590 cattle were processed in approved plants during the week ending March 22nd, 2025, bringing the year-to-date total to 430,397 head—a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Prime Cattle Trends

Of the total processed, 323,157 were prime cattle, marking a 2.6% year-on-year increase. However, the slaughter mix has shifted:

• Young bull numbers declined early in the year but have now stabilized.
• Steer and heifer throughput dipped slightly compared to 2024.
• Cow throughput surged, with 99,507 cows processed, up 13% year-on-year.

Beef Prices Continue to Climb

Irish beef prices remain strong, reflecting a favorable balance between supply and demand. Key price highlights for the week ending March 22nd, 2025:

• Steers and heifers: Base quotes range from €7.30 to €7.40/kg.
• Young bulls (U grading, under 24 months): Steady at €7.30–€7.40/kg, with R grading bulls fetching up to €7.50/kg.
• O grading cows: Quoted at €6.80/kg.
• R grading cows: Up to €7.00/kg, depending on quality.

A notable portion of the cow kill has achieved P conformation scores, with prices varying based on grade, weight, and quality.

Weekly Price Movements

• R3 steers: Increased by 32c/kg to €7.12/kg, up €1.95/kg from the same week in 2024.
• R3 heifers: Rose by 16c/kg to €7.15/kg, up €1.93/kg year-on-year.

Note: Prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonuses and breed-based producer group incentives.

EU and UK Market Comparison

• EU R3 young bulls: Averaged €6.31/kg, up €1.25/kg from 2024.
• UK R3 steers: Reached €8.01/kg, reflecting tight supply and strong demand.

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Conclusion

The Irish beef market is experiencing a robust start to 2025, with increased throughput and rising prices across all categories. Tight supply conditions and strong demand both domestically and internationally are driving this upward trend, positioning Irish producers favorably in the global beef trade.

Bord Bia

Strategic Expansion into Southeast Asia

Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS S.A. has unveiled plans to invest $100 million in building two state-of-the-art meat processing facilities in Vietnam, reinforcing its commitment to expanding operations in Southeast Asia and boosting global market reach.

First Facility: Northern Vietnam

The first plant will be located in the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Haiphong, northern Vietnam. This facility will feature:

• A logistics centre
• Cold storage units
• Pre-processing, cutting, and packaging lines

It will process beef, pork, and poultry, using raw materials imported from Brazil. The output will serve both Vietnam’s domestic market and regional export destinations.

Second Facility: Southern Vietnam

The second plant is scheduled to begin construction two years after the first becomes operational. It will mirror the infrastructure and capabilities of the Haiphong facility, further strengthening JBS’s footprint in the region.

Government Partnership and Economic Impact

The investment was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s state visit to Vietnam. According to Renato Costa, president of JBS subsidiary Friboi, the initiative is designed to:

• Create approximately 500 skilled jobs
• Enhance food security across Southeast Asia
• Support technology transfer and workforce training

Costa emphasized that the project is not only about increasing production capacity but also about creating long-term value for Vietnam’s economy.

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Conclusion

JBS’s $100 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. By establishing two advanced meat processing plants in Vietnam, JBS aims to meet growing demand in Southeast Asia, foster local economic development, and strengthen its position as a leader in the international meat trade.

Original story: Vietnam Investment Review 

Abattoirs Hit by FSA Meat Charge Rise

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a significant increase in meat inspection charges, set to take effect from 1 April 2025. This uplift is expected to add further financial strain on small and medium-sized abattoirs across the UK.

The hourly rates for official veterinarians (OVs) and meat hygiene inspectors (MHIs) visiting abattoirs will rise by 17.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The new rates will be £65.90 per hour for OVs and £43.20 per hour for MHIs. These charges apply to various approved meat premises, including slaughterhouses, cutting plants, and on-farm slaughtering facilities.

The FSA’s decision has sparked concern among industry leaders, who warn that the increased costs could lead to more abattoir closures, particularly affecting rural areas. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for more support for local abattoirs, highlighting the risk of increased journey times for animals and higher operational costs.

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has also voiced strong opposition, describing the fee hikes as an “unjustified gouge” on the sector. AIMS has challenged the legitimacy of the charges, arguing that traditional meat inspection delivers no discernible food safety benefits.

With the number of abattoirs in the UK already in decline, the new charges could exacerbate the situation, reducing competition and consumer choice. Industry experts are urging the FSA to reconsider the fee increases and explore structural reforms to support the struggling meat industry.

Original story: NFU Online 

UK Bans Livestock Imports from Austria to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease

The UK Government has announced a temporary ban on the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and wild boar from Austria to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This precaution follows the confirmation of a new FMD case in Hungary, near the Austrian border.

Import Ban Expanded Amid FMD Outbreak in Europe

The import restrictions apply to live animals and untreated animal products such as fresh meat, dairy, and other raw goods. The ban now includes Austria, in addition to existing bans on imports from Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has emphasised that while FMD poses no risk to human health or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, wild boar, llamas, and alpacas.

Personal Imports Also Restricted

In addition to commercial imports, travellers are no longer permitted to bring the following items into Great Britain from Austria:

• Meat and meat products

• Milk and dairy products

• Animal by-products from pigs and ruminants

• Certain composite products

• Hay and straw

These restrictions match existing measures already in place for Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Government Actions to Protect UK Livestock

Authorities are working closely with border control agencies and traders to manage the risk from any goods currently en route to Great Britain. Pre-notification and enhanced border checks are in place to prevent the entry of restricted items.

Livestock Keepers Urged to Stay Vigilant

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is calling on livestock farmers to remain alert for clinical signs of foot and mouth disease, particularly after recent outbreaks in Europe.

Common signs of FMD in livestock include:

• Fever

• Lameness

• Excessive salivation

• Blisters on the feet and mouth

Although no cases have been reported in the UK, the economic impact of an outbreak would be severe—leading to production losses, trade restrictions, and potential loss of access to export markets.

What Is Foot and Mouth Disease?

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads rapidly through animal contact, contaminated equipment, and even via clothing or vehicles.

Strict biosecurity practices are essential to prevent an outbreak and protect the UK’s livestock industry.

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Key Takeaways:

• UK bans imports of live animals and certain products from Austria due to FMD risk

• Import restrictions also apply to Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany

• Travellers face limits on personal imports of meat, dairy, and hay

• Livestock owners are urged to maintain strict biosecurity

Source: Gov.UK

Avian Influenza Detected in Sheep in Yorkshire: A First for the UK

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed a case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire. This case was identified following routine surveillance of livestock co-located on a premises where avian influenza had previously been confirmed in captive birds. The infected sheep was humanely culled to enable extensive testing, and further testing of the remaining flock revealed no additional cases of the virus.

This marks the first time that avian influenza has been reported in a sheep, although similar cases have been detected in livestock in other countries. Despite this, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the UK’s livestock population. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging all livestock keepers to remain vigilant and maintain good biosecurity to prevent the spread of the disease.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and poses a very low risk to public health. The Food Standards Agency has also reassured the public that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat.

Original story: Gov.uk

 

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