Taiwan Takes Strong Action Against Pork Imports Following ASF in Spain

In light of recent African swine fever (ASF) confirmations in Spain, Taiwan has issued a robust warning against sending any pork products from that country. This alert aims to protect Taiwan's pig farming sector from this highly infectious disease.

Authorities have implemented stringent penalties for those found smuggling pork products from overseas. A first-time violator could face a fine of NT$200,000 (approximately US$6,400), while repeat offenders risk a fine of NT$1 million. Importing pork via express delivery or freight could result in a prison term of up to seven years and a NT$3 million fine.

Recently, Spain identified two wild boars near Barcelona that tested positive for ASF, marking the return of the virus after over 30 years. Even though there are no direct flights from Spain to Taiwan, active direct mail channels raise concerns about potential virus transmission via international shipments, according to local reports.

Taiwan’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency has added Spain to its list of countries with recorded ASF outbreaks in the past three years. Consequently, all air and sea imports of live hogs and pork products from Spain have been banned starting Saturday. Any unauthorized pork products coming into Taiwan will either be disposed of or returned.

As one of the leading pork-importing nations—second only to Canada—Taiwan imported 25,452 tonnes of pork in 2023 and 16,019 tonnes in 2024. Citing increased risks, authorities will bolster border inspections to prevent any illegal pork from entering the country.

After successfully concluding an ASF outbreak in Taichung, Taiwan plans to seek restoration of its official swine fever-free status next year. Introducing pork from Spain, where ASF has re-emerged, could undermine that objective, officials warn.