Major shift in piglet export

Germany is still the largest sales market for Dutch piglets. Sales increased by 1,5% to 2,21 million. This makes the German sales market the most constant factor. Sales to Belgium/Luxembourg also increased (+9,3% to 487.555 piglets).

Hardly any piglets go to Romania
What is striking is that fewer piglets have been transported to Eastern Europe. For example, sales in Hungary fell by 96,3% to 4.217 units. According to Exporters, this decrease is due to the fact that Hungary has only been importing PRRS-free piglets since last November. Then the majority of Dutch piglets will no longer be eligible. 

Romanian sales have also fallen sharply and fell by 31,4% to approximately 54.498 units. Demand from Romania has been lackluster for months. Sales to Poland did increase; by 4,2% to more than 61.000. Exporters do say that there is considerable competition in Poland with piglets from Denmark.

Spain on the market
The losses in Eastern Europe are more than offset by sales in Spain. Sales increased by no less than 266% to 578.000 piglets. Although sales to Spain always have a spring peak, exporters are surprised by the extreme revival. The reason for the increase is a number of new fattening pig stables, which were recently completed and therefore offered space. 

In addition, the Spanish pig farming industry faced problems; for example, the PED virus emerged. It is therefore not yet certain whether piglet sales to Spain will show such numbers next year.