The Russian ban on pig and pork products, instigated after African Swine Fever was discovered in EU territory, is still affecting prices in the domestic market.

According to industry group ISN, German slaughter companies announced discounted prices last week, thus exerting further pressure on prices after rises had led to a certain amount of optimism. German prices dropped a corrected 7 cents last Friday. Quotations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria were also dragged lower as a result.

Prices also fell in France and the UK, where quotations dropped back to €1.81/ kg, having risen just one week previously to end a downward trend begun in January.

In Spain, mature pig prices remained steady, as lower weights and a lack of supply proved a boon for producers.  

ISN offered some insight into the prevailing mood in the EU, "The market situation is very much determined by the market participants being strongly unsettled at the beginning of the week. Discounted prices being paid partly makes the situation even more insecure." However, the group offered some small succour, claiming that lower quantities on offer has meant many marketers have successfully avoided slaughter companies paying discounted prices.