The trend on the European mature pigs market has remained positive this week, following rises across central Europe last week. Further price increases in Germany, where demand is outstripping supply, triggered rises in surrounding states.

The German quotation rose by 4 cents, and the move was followed by the Austrian, Dutch and Belgian quotations. Spain and France both recorded slight price increases.

According to German pig industry group ISN, in Spain, the market participants are still concerned with the export situation. Exporters hope to re-establish trade with Russia, which banned imports earlier in the year, or else look to China for more export sales.

The Danish quotation dropped slightly last week. In Britain, the negative trend observed over the past four weeks continued, with prices slipping further still, dropping below the Italian quotation of €1.92/ kg to €1.83.

ISN said that, for mainland European states currently enjoying price increases, "From today’s point of view, the trend is expected to remain positive for a while still."