Inside Pigs
Spanish pig sector is recovering well from crisis
The corona crisis and African swine fever are having a negative impact on the pig sector. Nevertheless, the Spanish pig sector managed to survive the crisis well last year, partly due to the good export opportunities. Both slaughter figures and imports of live pigs have grown. Pig prices are now on the rise again.
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Due to the corona crisis, slaughter capacity fell sharply due to corona infections among staff members. The situation in slaughterhouses normalized again and slaughterhouses were able to resume work. But then ASF appeared in Germany. Once again a downer for the pig sector. Because Germany was restricted in international exports, the European pig sector suddenly faced an oversupply of pigs.
More pigs imported
Despite the circumstances, the Spanish pig sector appears to have performed well. Imports of live pigs increased by no less than 41,6% last year compared to 2019. In total, almost 2.770 million pigs were imported.
Nearly 129.000 of the imported pigs were intended for breeding. Approximately 1.779 fattening pigs were imported. The lion's share, about 75%, came from the Netherlands. Furthermore, Portugal and Denmark were major suppliers with a contribution of 15% and 7%.
Pigs for slaughter
The number of pigs imported for direct slaughter was approximately 861.000 head. The main suppliers were France (37%), Portugal (31%) and the Netherlands (13%). The total number of slaughters in Spain last year was 56,46 million, an increase of 6,6% compared to 2019, according to Eurostat.
pork export
The increase in the number of imported and slaughtered pigs was possible due to the good export opportunities. Because Germany was suddenly unable to export pork internationally, Spain was able to step in and increase its export volume. Exports to China in particular achieved significant growth.
Nearly 100.000 tons of pork were shipped to China every month. That accounts for almost 80% of total Spanish exports. Spain is also a major supplier in markets such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines. Recently, the Philippines tripled its pork imports. The country does not accept pork from countries affected by ASF, which gives the Spanish sector an extra advantage.
Pig prices
Partly due to the good export opportunities, Spain managed to get through the crisis reasonably well last year. Pig prices have suffered, as have all major European pig countries, but prices are now on the rise again. The sector appears to have reached a low point and is climbing out of the valley again.