Dry-cured ham may run short in Japan as swine fever risk halts Spanish imports

The supply of ham, bacon and other processed meat products may become less stable in Japan after the country suspended pork imports from Spain following confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF).

The move is raising particular concern for dry-cured salted ham. Just under 70% of Japan’s total imports of such products arrive from Spain, raising worries about supply, demand and prices.

At a branch of Spanish restaurant Bar Mar in the Tokyo district of Akasaka-Mitsuke, four popular menu items — including its signature dry-cured ham — rely on Spanish pork. Koro Konishi, president of the company that operates the chain, said he worries the ban could drive away customers who come specifically for Iberico pork.