Radio silence on European pig market

The price comparison by the ISN (the representative body for German pig farmers) shows that the German pig price remains at €1,306 per kilo for the fifth week in a row. The Dutch quotation has remained unchanged at €1,240 per kilo.

In addition, the Spanish pig price, after weeks of declines, remains virtually the same this week: €1,389 per kilo. The same also applies to France, where the price is €1,369 per kilo.

Where were mutations?
The pig quotation in both Denmark and the United Kingdom does show a change. After being unchanged for 6 weeks, the Danish quotation has risen by €0,027 to €1,286 per kilo. In the United Kingdom the quotation is €1,503, which is a decrease of €0,022 (compared to the previous quotation). The pig price here has been fluctuating around €1,50 per kilo for weeks.

Optimism for 2019?
In addition, some cautiously optimistic reports can be heard in the corridor about price developments for 2019. Demand for pork may increase from China, which could benefit European pig exports. According to it US Department of Agriculture (the USDA), Chinese importers will purchase more in 2019. Also Rabobank previously stated that he expected this.

This expectation is based on the outbreaks of African swine fever in China. This could cause Chinese consumers to lose confidence in the food safety of Chinese pork. This probably depends on the extent to which the virus will spread in the near future. For the time being, however, European prices do not show any improvement in demand.