European pig prices steady after cuts, but farmers still face high costs
Pig prices have held steady in several European markets after recent declines, but supply is large, demand is weak and farmers cite high production costs. Polish buyers offered 5.40–5.70 zloty per kg of carcass weight on 12 November.
Prices for fattening pigs are holding steady in a number of European markets after recent corrections, according to a 12 November market review by the Polish agricultural outlet topagrar.pl. The situation matters to pig farmers across the EU, who are still dealing with high production costs.
The European market
In its 10 November report, ISN, the German pig producers' association, noted stable quotations in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria. France, Spain and Italy continue to see lower prices. The supply of pigs remains large, and demand for pork has not yet produced a clear recovery in sales.
European Commission data for 26 October to 1 November put the average EU price of class E carcasses at 1.46 euro per kg of carcass weight, 16.1% less than a year earlier. In Poland the figure was 1.41 euro/kg, down 17% year on year.
On 11 November, VEZG, the German price-setting body for pigs, again left its price unchanged at 1.32 euro per kg of net carcass weight, valid from 12 to 18 November. VEZG points to supply and demand gradually coming into balance, while ISN notes that the sale of the large volume of live animals varies by region, with minor difficulties in places. The meat market is also well stocked and awaiting larger orders.
Farmers' costs
Bartosz Czarniak of POLSUS, the Polish Association of Pig Breeders and Producers, points to burdens from energy, labour and growing production requirements. He says farmers want lower production costs and fear further spending to meet environmental and animal welfare rules, while competitors outside the EU do not always operate under the same conditions. The highest prices apply to large deliveries, while smaller lots receive less.
Piglet and slaughterhouse prices
According to a survey by Tygodnik Poradnik Rolniczy, Danish piglets weighing 30 kg cost 155–200 zloty each net, while Polish piglets of the same weight cost 215–240 zloty. On 12 November buyers offered 3.60–4.80 zloty per kg of live weight and 5.40–5.70 zloty per kg for class E carcass weight.
