CHINA

China lifts its ban on the import of sheep and goat products from Spain

Last August, Chinese authorities officially announced the lifting of the import ban on sheep and goat products from Spain, which had been in place since September 30, 2022, due to an outbreak of sheep and goat pox.

Posted on Sep 04 ,00:15

This decision, published in Bulletin No. 176/2025 of the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, marks the end of a long-standing embargo that has had a significant economic impact on Spanish producers, particularly with regard to wool and hides, two key byproducts for sheep and goat farming. During the ban, the sector is estimated to have lost more than €45 million in lost revenue, as trade with one of the main international destinations for these products has been disrupted.

In recent years, China has established itself as the main international destination for sheep and goat wool and hides, concentrating a large part of the global processing capacity for these products. This situation is largely explained by the progressive dismantling of the textile and tanning industry in the European Union, a result of policies implemented in recent years. As a result, the Spanish sector increasingly depends on the Chinese market to ensure the valorization of these natural byproducts, essential for the economic sustainability of the extensive farming model.

Thanks to the joint work of INTEROVIC, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the diplomatic team in China, the trust of Chinese health authorities has been restored. Following the inspection conducted in Spain last June, Chinese health officials positively assessed the measures implemented by the sector to eradicate the outbreak and strengthen biosecurity.

This resolution paves the way for the short-term resumption of exports of sheep and goat wool and skins to China. This is eagerly awaited by producers and the industry, allowing for the recovery of value, a reduction in surpluses, and a continued commitment to a sustainable and circular production model.

However, some technical details remain that require some time before shipments can resume. INTEROVIC is confident that this validation will occur soon, allowing for the complete restoration of trade.

Furthermore, this reopening marks a strategic turning point, as it allows for the reactivation of negotiations for opening the Chinese market to the export of Spanish sheep and goat meat, a priority objective for INTEROVIC given China's importance as the world's leading importer of animal protein.

Sheep and goat wool and leather are traditional products of great quality and international prestige, with a long history linked to Spanish culture and rural economy. Therefore, their reopening to the Chinese market not only represents the recovery of a strategic export destination, but also the valorization of an essential byproduct that contributes to sustainability, the comprehensive use of animals, and the profitability of the sector. As Raúl Muñiz , president of INTEROVIC, points out, "This is a fundamental step to strengthen the sector's international competitiveness and guarantee the comprehensive use of animals, a key element in the profitability and sustainability of sheep farms."

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