Belgium sends first shipment of pork to China since embargo lifted

The reason for the embargo was the outbreak of African swine fever ( ASF ) in Belgium in September 2018. Although the country was officially declared free of the disease in 2020, the ban on pork imports remained in place.

After years of negotiations and cooperation between Belgian and Chinese authorities, the embargo was finally lifted last month. However, pork parts supplied to CHINA are subject to additional quality requirements .

Thus, the Chinese side requires that the MEAT be obtained from pigs born and raised in Belgium, and the processing of EXPORT products must be carried out in a separate room or at a separate time.

The supply of pork to China will bring additional turnover and create new jobs in Belgian slaughterhouses. Westvlees in Westrosebeke has already announced an additional premium for pig farmers whose products will be exported to China.

Belgium became the first country to send pork to China after the embargo was lifted. it is expected that other countries will soon join the supply, which will lead to an increase in pork exports to China.