The detection of the first ASF case last November led to border closures by several countries to Spanish pork, causing a collapse in market prices. The most significant losses occurred in January and February, with up to 33 euros lost per 100-kilogram fattening animal sent to slaughter.

Although prices have been slowly recovering due to the reopening of some export markets and regional sales to countries like China, the situation remains insufficient for the sector. Key markets such as Japan are still closed. The Spanish sector estimates accumulated losses of 913 million euros in the first six months of the crisis, with over 146 million attributed to Lleida.

During April and May, losses have decreased to around 10 euros per slaughtered animal, despite a slight increase in production costs. The current quotation at Mercolleida, even with a recent improvement, still requires a significant rise for the sector to recover.

Year-on-year slaughter and export data for March remain stable, with a slight increase in exports but at lower prices. The Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, highlighted that the fight against ASF has required an expenditure of 72 million euros to curb its spread.