Business of Food

Deadly Pig Virus Is Coming for Your Fancy Spanish Ham

The discovery of African swine fever is threatening the world’s second-largest pork exporter.

Spain made up more than 15% of the global pork trade last year, according to data compiled by the United Nations. — Spain made up more than 15% of the global pork trade last year, according to data compiled by the United Nations.
Photographer: Angel Navarrete

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By Eleanor Thornber and Sabrina Nelson Garcinuno

December 5, 2025 at 12:02 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Welcome to the Business of Food newsletter, covering how the world feeds itself in a changing economy and climate. This week, Eleanor Thornber and Sabrina Nelson Garcinuno discuss the threat to Europe’s pork powerhouse. Any tips or feedback? Email food czar Agnieszka de Sousa. And if you aren’t yet signed up to receive this newsletter, please do so here.