Pig prices in Europe continue to rise sharply

The largest price increase this week is due to the Netherlands. The pig price increases by €0,070 to €1,874 per kilo. However, this does not allow it to surpass Germany, because pig prices are also rising in that country up. The German pork price rises this week by €0,060 to €1,896 per kilo, keeping it in fourth place in the comparison. In Denmark, the pig price is, as expected, stable at €1,950 per kilo. This means that it is still far above the rest of the European pig prices.

Spain is in second place, after Denmark. This country has again taken a significant lead over France, as the pig price has risen by €0,033 this week to €1,916 per kilo. The French pig price increased by €0,019 in the week to €1,902 per kilo. That is the smallest increase in ISN's price comparison this week. Belgium noted last week the largest increase, but is now stuck in second place. The pig price increases by €0,062 to €1,779 per kilo. This brings the country slightly closer to other European pig prices.

Low vs. high
If we look at previous years, it is striking that pig prices in the European Union were at a low point during this period in recent years. For example, the Dutch pig price last year amounted to €48 per kilo in week 1,24, while the 5-year average for this week is €1,39 per kilo. The year that comes somewhat close is 2012. In that year the pig price during this period was €1,70. The price in Germany is also many times higher this year than in previous years. A price of €48 was recorded there in week 1,31 last year. The 5-year average of the German pig price is €1,46 per kilo.

The Danish pig price is currently recording the highest price, and that is not surprising (if we look at the older figures). The 5-year average for Denmark is €1,52 per kilo, which is higher than most other European countries. Only the 5-year average for the French pig price is slightly above this. This amounts to €1,54 per kilo for this week. This average also shows that Spain and France are always reasonable on an equal footing to move. The average Spanish price is €1,50 per kilo.

Prices are rising faster than expected
The hunger for pigs ready for slaughter is very great and that is supportive the price increases. Not only in the Netherlands, but also in Germany, traders say they receive a lot of calls from slaughterhouses. This disrupts the balance between supply and demand. In short: demand exceeds supply. The meat released is partly destined for China and partly for the European meat market. Since the celebration of Chinese New Year is approaching (January 25), it is expected that there will be plenty of shipping to the Asian country for a few more weeks.

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