Also this week the DCA BestPigletPrice takes another step up. Pig prices are doing that too, making…
Last week, Vion indicated that a further increase would be irresponsible, but the additional 5 cents is probably necessary to obtain sufficient fattening pigs.
Although the higher pork price suggests otherwise, Vion is not positive about the meat market. Sales are reportedly slow in both Asia and Europe. The slaughterhouse indicates that some Italian meat processors have closed their doors due to the coronavirus that is spreading there. Nevertheless, meat prices do give a positive picture this week, according to the changes of DCA-Markets.
Tight piglet supply
The already high and increasing pig prices give fattening pig farmers more and more confidence in the market. This means that piglets are in high demand. Some hairline cracks appear in some permanent connections in mid-February, causing fattening pig farmers to be confronted with empty stables. There are no alternatives, because piglets are almost impossible to obtain on the open market, traders indicate.
Demand from abroad is good. The export figures to Germany and Spain also show this. This is also evident from the price movements in both countries. The Spanish piglet price rose last week by €1,50 to €65,50. This is still €10 below the record dating from 2001. The German VEZG quotation strengthens the record this week and rises by no less than €3,50 to €80,50. The DCA BestPigletPrice increases this week by €3 to €73 per piglet.
The high piglet prices do put pressure on the pig price. With African swine fever near Germany, it remains difficult to look ahead to what the situation on the pig market will be in 4 months' time. In view of the meat shortage in China, there are plenty of export opportunities on paper. Practice currently shows that current exports are encountering (major) logistical problems due to the coronavirus in China.