Agreed on 1 February, the agreement means Japanese custom duties on pork products from the EU will be cut, which would open up new opportunities in the pig market for Spain, according to the organisation.
Until now, tariffs on processed products from European pigs had a levy of up to 8.5% on the value of the product. However, with the agreement, the markets will progressively eliminate the tariffs, which will allow Interporc to continue advancing with its companies in Japan.
According to Interporc, the Spanish market has grown the most in Japan, which is the second-largest global importer of pork meat. In recent years, Japan has multiplied its Spanish white pork imports fivefold since 2017 – bringing in almost 100,000 tonnes with a value of €340m.
As part of its agenda in the Japanese market, Interporc will also develop a program of activities throughout the year, such as increasing its presence in restaurants, retailers and foodservice, as well as promoting its activities through the media.
The aim of the program is to bring Spanish pigs closer to Japanese importers, distributors and consumers.
“This good assessment is based on some characteristics that differentiate the Spanish pig sector, such as its production model, which is an example worldwide and which is especially respectful of the environment, animal welfare and food safety,” said an Interporc spokesperson.
Interporc’s director Alberto Herranz welcomed a trade agreement with China at the end of last year, which allowed the exports of fresh meat and sausages derived from Spanish pork to the Asian market.