EU weaner prices remain stable in recent weeks

By Chris Gooderham

In the week ending 28 June 2020, the EU average weaner price (excluding the UK) stood at €50.45/head, around €7.5/head lower than this time last year.

With the loss of foodservice demand as a result of lockdowns impacting EU finished pig prices, the weaner prices have reacted similarly. Weaner prices reached a record level of €73.65/head in the week ending 15 March 2020, but then recorded 10 consecutive week-on-week falls to sit around €50/head for the week ending 24 May.

Prices have been relatively stable for the last six weeks, sitting roughly €3/head above the five-year average. This stability has continued despite the recent closure of an important German slaughterhouse. There has been concern that a backlog of finishing pigs could limit space available for piglet sales. However, so far, national reports indicate that marketing has not been problematic.

Of the main pig producing nations in the EU, Spain and the Netherlands have seen their weaner prices fall most significantly, down 43% and 49% respectively on the March highs. Prices in Spain are now sitting around €43/head and in the Netherlands around €38/head. In comparison, Denmark and Germany have seen less significant falls, down 23% and 31% to sit at €59/head and €60/head respectively.

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.