Chunk prices continue rising trend in 2017

In February, the price of pork chunks increased by 15 cents to 23,30 euros per 100 kilos. This is the highest level since February last year. The price of the starting/transitional pellet has the same price increase and is 27,25 euros. Sow pellet pregnancy and lakto both increase by 0,20 euros to 22,85 and 22,65 euros per kilo. Baby piglet corn has been adjusted upwards by 10 cents and cost an average of 34,30 euros per 100 kilos last month.

The reason why chunk prices are looking up is mainly due to the rising wheat price, which has been moving upwards since mid-December. For almost the entire month of January, wheat traded at around 170 euros per tonne on the Matif. Maize on the Matif has also risen by approximately 49 euros per tonne since week 10, also to 170 euros per tonne. Rapeseed on the Matif is also rising, while Soya - mainly fluctuating - is looking up to a closing price of 365 euros on Thursday. However, the upward trend in the various commodity prices will weaken at the beginning of February. This is mainly a consequence of President Trump's intentions and statements.

A trend that could provide some breathing space in the course of 2017 is the development of the cattle herd. Livestock herds declined in both Germany and France. Now that the Netherlands is also aiming for fewer livestock, it is realistic to assume that the demand for concentrates in Western Europe will decline. This may also result in lower pork chunk prices during 2017, as certain chunk components are sourced from the same raw materials. 

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