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 ¡ª including its signature dry-cured ham ¡ª 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.

Since the suspension took effect, orders at the restaurant¡¯s dry-cured ham supplier have surged, he said, adding, ¡°We might run out of stock by the end of the year.¡±

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry halted pork imports from Spain last Friday after ASF infections were detected in wild boar there, to prevent the disease from infecting pigs raised in Japan.

Of the 84 countries and regions where ASF has been reported until now, import suspensions have been lifted for only three.

According to Finance Ministry trade data, Japan imported about 976,000 tons of pork last year, with Spain supplying roughly 169,000 tons, or 17.3% of the total, making it the third-largest source after Canada and the U.S.

Spanish pork accounts for around 10% of Japan¡¯s overall domestic supply.

Agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki said Tuesday that ¡°some degree of impact on supply and demand is inevitable.¡±

ASF does not infect humans but has a high fatality rate among pigs and wild boar, and there are no effective vaccines or treatments.

Japan has never reported a case, but with infections spreading across Europe, Africa and Asia, the government says it will maintain strict border controls to keep the virus out.

Translated by The Japan Times