German pig industry group ISN has said the European mature pigs market is looking more positive, with rays of hope appearing for market participants, despite the ongoing restrictions on imports to Russia.

Russia banned EU imports when African Swine Fever was detected on EU territory in February.

Nevertheless, quotations have risen in some states this week, as the smaller quantity of mature pigs on offer has re-balanced supply-demand issues. ISN also said that, although Russia remains closed as an export destination, sales towards Asia are going very well for many producers.

Moderate price increases were recorded in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands last week. In Britain, following a slight rise last week, which came on the back of fluctuating prices seen since the beginning of the year, prices rose by a corrected 5.3 cents, taking quotations to €1.89/kg (£1.57).  

Elsewhere, quotations held steady in Spain, Denmark, Austria and Ireland. French producers saw prices slip slightly, but this one cent drop-off follows a fortnight of price rises.

Although moves by individual member states unaffected by ASF (which has so far only been found in wild boar in the EU) to re-open trade with Russia have been condemned by EU authorities as undermining the Bloc, representatives of the Spanish Department of Agriculture and the Russian veterinary service are due to meet on 14th March.

According to the AgE, resumption of pork trade between the EU and Russia may be considered, but only for those countries furthest away from the detected cases in the North-East of the bloc.

In Poland, where 400,000 pigs have been held in a buffer zone to prevent the spread of ASF for three weeks, the government has announced a buy-out initiative, which will see producers reimbursed and the costs shared by the EU and Polish authorities.

ISN said that, given the break in the clouds witnessed this week, "From today's point of view, the prices are expected to go further up."