Difficult year pig market closed unchanged

The meat market is without momentum, although some positives were noted last week. Again, ribs and necks became slightly more expensive (€0,03 and €0,02 respectively). This is evident from statements from traders at DCA Markets for the quotations for pig parts. However, in Germany, reduced sales prices for parts are reported. Measures to control the coronavirus are slowing down sales. Exports to third countries also remain difficult. In any case, the first weeks of the year are traditionally difficult.

The pork supply no longer feels so extensive
Unlike a few weeks ago, the supply of live pigs is no longer extremely plentiful, although there is certainly no shortage. There has been a lot of slaughter in both the Netherlands and Germany in recent weeks. Where slaughter numbers hovered around 840.000 heads for a while and then rose to 870.000 heads, last week there were 904.000 pigs hanging on German hooks. The average slaughtered weight again decreased considerably (-400 grams) to 96,5 kilos. 

Various slaughterhouses also slaughtered on Saturdays in the Netherlands, which provided additional placement space. The slaughter plans will be scaled back in the coming weeks. Even though Christmas falls on a weekend, there will be less slaughter. The pig supply is more than sufficient for the slaughterers to cover the demand. A negative correction in the first weeks of the year is still not completely ruled out, traders report.

The German VEZG quotation is set at €1,23 per kilo of slaughtered weight. The major German slaughterers remain one haus price apply at €1,20 per kilo carcass weight. The next VEZG listing will be announced on January 5, 2022.