Spain: Cured ham exports decline by 3.54 percent in volume and 6.17 percent in value
The Spanish Serrano Ham Consortium (CJSE) has released export figures for Spanish cured hams and shoulders up to the first quarter of 2026, a period in which a total of 13,146.03 tons were exported, compared to the volume obtained during the same period in 2025, with 13,628.136 tons; this represents a decrease of 3.54%.
On the other hand, the sector's exports during this period totaled €161,218,056.34, a 6.17% decrease compared to the previous year, when the figure stood at €171,827,977.34.
Furthermore, the global average price per kilo of ham decreased by 2.73% during this period, reaching €12.26 compared to 2015, when it was €12.58/kg. Meanwhile, the average price in European Union countries was €11.47, compared to €14.24 in third countries, representing decreases of 2.41% and 1.4%, respectively.
In overall figures, European Union countries imported a total of 9,377.92 tons during this period, an increase of 0.94% compared to the same period in 2015, while third countries registered a volume of 3,768.11 tons, representing a decrease of 13.14%. Thus, during the first three months of the year, the European Union accounted for 71.3% of cured ham exports, while the remaining 28.7% corresponded to third countries.
“Although anticipated, the figures for the first quarter of the year confirm a change in trend, and we observe a negative evolution in overall numbers. These results are mainly due to the impact of African Swine Fever, which continues to affect international markets. As expected, the greatest impact has been felt in third countries, where exports have suffered a significant contraction. Bearing this in mind, one of the aspects that most concerns the CJSE is the sustained drop in prices, and we support working together to recover the concept of value and strengthen the sector's competitiveness,” says Álvaro Díaz de Liaño, Marketing and Promotion Director of the Spanish Serrano Ham Consortium.
Within the European Union, the main markets for cured ham continue to be France and Germany, which together account for more than 40% of the export volume of this product.
Meanwhile, other European markets that increased their export volume during the first three months of 2026 were the Netherlands, by 11.02%; Denmark, by 10.09%; and Sweden, by 39.22%.
Regarding formats, 81.96% of the pieces exported during this period were boneless, although their value decreased by 7.16% and their volume by 2.61%. Meanwhile, the average price of boneless ham stands at €12.41/kg, representing a 4.68% decrease compared to 2025.
“2026 is shaping up to be a particularly challenging year. Therefore, at the CJSE, our objective is to join forces, generate stability, and support the entire sector in the face of current challenges. Collaboration and adaptability will be key to successfully navigating the coming months,” concludes Álvaro Díaz de Liaño, Marketing and Promotion Director of the Spanish Serrano Ham Consortium.
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