Inside Pigs
Piglet exports to Spain increased sharply again
The sale of Dutch piglets to Spain has been increasing rapidly in recent years. In 2019, the export figure passed the 1 million mark. Total piglet exports are shrinking...
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Until a few years ago, Spain was a rewarding market, but no more than that. In 2016, for example, export figures remained below the 200.000 animal limit. In the past year, no less than 1,05 million piglets were sold, mainly to large Spanish integrations, an increase of 10% compared to 2018.
Especially in the third quarter, exports were clearly ahead of last year. Due to the increase, Spain has now surpassed Belgium as the second most important sales market.
Minus in Germany
â € ‹On the other hand, exports to Germany, still by far the most important sales market, are shrinking. In 2019, the number of piglets decreased by 3,4% to 4,31 million. It is the first decline in years. The shrinkage is probably a result of the rapid decline in the number of fattening pig farmers in Germany. This moderates the installation space. Moreover, the competition from Denmark is breathing down our necks.
The contraction in Germany outweighs the growth in Spain, causing total piglet exports to fall by just under 2019% to 4 million in 6,68. Sales to Belgium show a slight decline with a decrease of 1,5% to 93.000 piglets. Sales to Italy actually increased by 3,5% to 145.000.