The European mature pigs market has continued on a downward trend observed in past weeks. Across mainland Europe, quotations fell last week. Prices in Spain fell by 5 cents, as the end of the holiday season led to a reduction in demand.

The fall follows a summer marked by high prices for Spanish producers. In France, which also saw price rises during the summer months, quotations took another dip. French prices have tumbled over the past fortnight.

Reduced demand against a constant supply of mature pigs is thought to be behind the reductions. German pig industry organisation ISN said midweek that domestic demand in Europe has dropped since the summer and export business has been quiet for most major producers in the EU.

In Germany, producers have so far managed to resist the lower prices demanded by meat-processors, according to ISN. However, only Ireland and Great Britain have managed to avoid the downward trend affecting other producers.

ISN said producers in central Europe are hoping for an end to the current downward trend. Analysts speculated that German slaughter companies have not left a backlog ahead of the upcoming public holidays, which could benefit producers. However, the organisation stated that the outlook remains “uncertain” for European producers.

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