Farming News - EU pig prices: pressure from Germany spreads across central Europe

EU pig prices: pressure from Germany spreads across central Europe

 

The European mature pigs market has been under pressure this week, according to German industry group ISN. France continued its downward trend this week – prices there fell by 3.8 cents on Thursday. Other quotations in Central Europe followed on Friday.

 

Germany set a trend again with its 6 cents decrease in the quotation. The Netherlands, Belgium and Austria followed, reporting noticeable price drops. Prices were unaffected in Denmark, Ireland and Great Britain.

 

Prices in Denmark have remained steady for six weeks now, staying at 1.603 euros per kg slaughter weight. Although Spain has not been immune to the pressure affecting prices in other states over previous weeks, it remains top of the table of five major EU producers for now.

 

ISN said prices may continue to fall "In view of extensive quantities on offer, slower demand for meat and few public holidays ahead in May," and added, "the situation appears quite tense currently."

 

The industry organisation said that, in Germany, VION triggered a price "avalanche" last week, pushing for markdowns and leading other German companies to join in on offering discounted prices.