China lifts ban on Spanish sheep and goat products

CHINA – The Chinese government has lifted its ban on importing sheep and goat products from Spain, reopening a critical export market after nearly three years of restrictions that cost Spanish producers more than US$48 million (€45 million) in lost revenue.

The decision, published in Bulletin No. 176/2025 by the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, ends an embargo imposed in September 2022 following an outbreak of sheep and goat pox in Spain.

Wool and hides were the hardest hit during the ban, as China is the world’s largest processor of these products and has become the main international destination for Spanish exports. 

The dependency stems from the progressive dismantling of textile and tanning industries across the European Union, which has left Spanish producers increasingly reliant on the Chinese market to ensure value for these byproducts.

The embargo created a significant surplus in Spain and disrupted the economic balance of extensive livestock systems, which depend heavily on the comprehensive use of animals to remain sustainable. 

Industry leaders say the lifting of the ban marks a turning point for producers, helping restore profitability and stabilize rural economies.

“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,” said Raúl Muñiz, president of INTEROVIC, Spain’s interprofessional sheep and goat association.

Path to recovery and new opportunities

The reopening of trade follows months of negotiations between INTEROVIC, Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, and diplomats working with Chinese health authorities. 

In June, Chinese inspectors visited Spain to review biosecurity and disease control measures. Their positive evaluation paved the way for this week’s decision.

While wool and hides exports can now resume, some technical requirements must still be finalized before shipments restart. INTEROVIC has expressed confidence that the process will be completed quickly, allowing trade flows to return to pre-ban levels in the short term.

Beyond immediate recovery, the decision is expected to spark renewed negotiations over market access for Spanish sheep and goat meat, which industry leaders view as a strategic priority. China is the world’s largest importer of animal protein, and securing approval for meat exports would open significant new opportunities for Spanish livestock producers.

For Spain, regaining access to the Chinese market means more than just financial recovery. The move supports a circular production model that values every part of the animal, from meat to wool and hides, and ensures the long-term viability of a sector deeply rooted in the country’s rural economy and culture.

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