EU pig prices higher on tight supplies

Prices for pigs in the EU have shown remarkable gains over the past several weeks, with supplies of slaughter ready pigs reported to have been short, particularly in both Germany and Spain, the bloc’s two biggest producing nations.

In data from the EU Commission for the week ending 17^th April, prices were 175p/kg in Spain and 169p/kg in Germany, both significantly higher than at the beginning of the year. These two were the markets that had shown the fastest reversal since then, with the rally taking many by surprise, especially in the light of weaker exports.

Arguably both of these market prices represent more of a “spot” value, and so should be expected to be more volatile that the GB price (which is the average of all pigs and includes those on contract prices referencing the SPP) and is slower to follow suit.

Pig meat production is forecast to fall in the EU this year, following a decline in the December sow herd.

Higher prices have not been confined to finished pigs, but sow prices too have demonstrated a rapid rise. It is not clear if producers in Europe, also suffering from an extreme hike in their cost of production will see this as an opportunity to destock further.

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.