In an update on Tuesday, German industry group ISN said the supply of mature pigs in the remains scarce. Lower slaughter weights have been observed in almost every EU country and demand remains stable or rising due to the hot summer weather and the onset of tourist seasons in several parts.

In Germany and Austria, prices remained the same, having risen considerably last week. In the Netherlands, Belgium and France, however, scarce supplies eked a one cent increase out of processors. In Spain, where high temperatures are causing low daily gains in pig weight, leading to smaller supplies, prices rose by two Cents per kg.

Following weeks of lacklustre exports before summer arrived in Europe, a healthier export trade lifted the Danish quotation by three cents per kg. Sales to Russia played a leading role in the price rise.

Giving an outlook for the coming weeks, ISN said, "The current situation should remain the same this week.  So the price level will be maintained on an at least steady level."