The Spanish meat industry is opposing the Ministry of Agriculture's approval to export live sheep to Algeria.

In its statement, the employers' association warned that the country's sheep population has been declining for years, leading to a reduction in supply and rising prices. They also complain that this is compounded by the rise in live exports, which until now have been exported primarily to Morocco and now also to Algeria.

"This measure directly impacts the sector's competitiveness and the international image of the Spanish brand," said Anice CEO Giuseppe Aloisio, who believes management is choosing an "easy" solution that sacrifices added value and weakens the processing industry.

Enis warns that Algeria is a strategic partner for Spanish meat and offal, particularly lamb. By 2024 , the Maghreb countries will become the third-largest destination by volume and the second-largest by value among third countries. Regarding beef, its exports have increased by over 116% in value and 40% in volume since 2019, confirming its importance in Spain's foreign meat trade.

"The export of live animals has always been an insurmountable health obstacle," the employers' association reminds. Spain has traditionally rejected this type of operation due to the risk of introducing infectious diseases through return shipments.

In the current environment, adds Enais, with record prices due to animal shortages, allowing live meat exports increases pressure on the domestic market and distances the meat industry from higher value-added markets.

"Allowing such exports means bread today and hunger tomorrow," warned Aloisio, calling on the government   to rectify the situation and initiate a genuine dialogue with sector stakeholders before introducing measures that would jeopardize the balance of an already strained supply chain.

In conclusion, Anís recalls that a model based on industrial transformation not only creates jobs and economic value, but is also key to the sustainability of rural areas and the promotion of Spain's brand in international markets.