Unió de Pagesos estimates the impact of ASF at 63 million euros

Unió de Pagesos has estimated losses of €63 million in the pig sector in Catalonia as a result of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak detected at the end of the year. The economic impact has led to a 17% drop in turnover during November and December, directly affecting one of the pillars of the Catalan agri-livestock sector.

The figures were presented at a press conference in Lleida, where the union analysed the current situation of the pig sector, shaped by health restrictions, price developments, and uncertainty in international markets.

Economic impact of African swine fever in Catalonia

Regarding the ASF outbreak, Unió de Pagesos stressed that, despite the detection of 60 positive ASF cases in wild boar, no cases have been recorded in the 57 pig farms located within a 20-kilometre radius of the infected area. However, the implementation of health protocols has resulted in movement restrictions affecting 61,500 animals, representing 10% of the pig census in the province of Barcelona, generating an immediate impact on marketing and exports. In this context, the union estimates that around 15% of the export market has been lost and that producers have shifted from earning approximately €26 per animal to incurring losses of up to €36 per animal.

Pig exports and the effect of health restrictions

According to data from January to September 2025, China remains the main destination for Spanish pork, accounting for 18.9% of exported volume and 12.3% of total value. Pending the results of the final quarter of the year and the full impact of ASF-related restrictions, this market represents around 10% of national pig production. In this context, Catalonia continues to lead pig exports in Spain, with 51.7% of the volume and 50.6% of the value, well ahead of Aragon, the second-largest exporting region.

Evolution of pig prices after the ASF outbreak

The union also focused on the evolution of livestock prices. Although the live pig price at Mercolleida followed a similar trend to previous years and reached 1.815€/kg in early July, after confirmation of African swine fever at the end of November, prices fell rapidly to around 1€/kg at the beginning of 2026. Throughout 2025, the average pig price stood at 1.598€/kg, representing a 7.6% decrease compared to 2024.

The situation has been further aggravated by an increase in production costs, which rose by 1.8% to 1.366€ / kg. As a result, the economic margin of the pig sector has been reduced to 0.22€ kg, 40% lower than the previous year, jeopardising the viability of many farms.

Current overview of the Catalan pig sector

Unió de Pagesos recalled that, as of 1st December 2025, there were 5,254 registered pig farms in Catalonia, 50 fewer than at the end of 2024. Most are fattening farms, while a smaller share is dedicated to breeding and piglet production.

Source: Unió de Pagesos.