German pig congestion just under 1 million heads

The supply of slaughter pigs in Germany is still too large compared to the slaughter capacity. Until recently, pig congestion even exceeded the limit of 1 million animals. Meanwhile, the oversupply is slowly declining and the 'Schweinesteau' is again below 1 million units.

The German pig sector has been in dire straits since the corona crisis and the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). The sales opportunities have fallen sharply and the supply of fattening pigs far exceeded the demand. Recently, more than 1 million animals hung above the market.

Fewer piglets
According to the representative of German pig farmers (ISN), there is light at the end of the tunnel and the oversupply of pigs is currently dwindling. Last week, pig congestion fell by about 60.000 pigs and there are currently around 970.000 pigs hanging above the market.

According to the ISN, the decrease is due to significantly lower piglet imports from the Netherlands and Denmark, in combination with stagnating German piglet production. The slaughter capacity can also be used better than in recent weeks because the holidays are over.

Further contain oversupply
Despite the fact that the supply is gradually decreasing, it remains difficult to place fattening pigs. ISN considers it possible that from now on the pig congestion will decrease by approximately 60.000 pieces per week. Under optimal conditions, this can even be a reduction of 90.000 pieces. This is of course subject to the condition that slaughterhouses can continue their work without loss of capacity as a result of corona infections among the staff.

Another important point remains the German meat export. International meat exports are still banned because of the AVP in the country. Recently, a regionalization agreement reached with Thailand, whereby Germany is allowed to export meat from AVP-free zones. Perhaps other countries will follow suit and this will offer the German pig sector some relief.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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