Over the current week, a north-south divide has reemerged in the mature pigs market. German trade body ISN said, "While the quotations tend to weaken in Southern Europe, prices tend to rise in the northern and central parts of Europe."

A two cents price increase has been seen in Germany, quotations rose one cent in Belgium and the Netherlands, and producers in Britain enjoyed a three cent rise.

In Austria, prices stagnated, and, according to ISN, "exports in particular seem to cause problems." In Italy, the effects of a "strained economic situation" continue to be felt. ISN said, "Since many producers are afraid of further price decreases to happen, pigs are partly sold ahead of time."

In contrast to other Southern states, prices held in Spain, where they have maintained a relatively high level for six weeks. ISN said, "Exports to Russia, which bullied prices at the beginning of the year, started stuttering, thus preventing to further price increases."

ISN said that, with the arrival at last of springlike temperatures, both demand and prices could rise.