Spaniards strike on piglet market due to FMD

In 2024, most Dutch export piglets still found a place in a German stable. Spain followed at some distance. According to market statistics from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), a total of 2024 piglets were exported in 5.911.000. That was around 200.000 more than in 2023, when 5.706.000 piglets went abroad. The total piglet export has kicked off 2025 quite strongly, although the cart is now clearly being pulled by Spain.

Exports to Spain greater than expected
The fact that Spanish piglet exports are increasing further can be called somewhat unexpected. A few years ago, it was generally expected that the growing Spanish sow herd would ensure that the import demand would decrease. There was also the impression that the outbreak of a new type of the PRRS virus caused a temporary higher demand for piglets, but that this demand could possibly decrease again in the future. In addition, the sector itself also sees the risks of importing piglets. Piglets from across the border increase the chance of the import of pathogens such as African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease.

Despite the factors mentioned earlier, the Spanish demand for Dutch piglets is still showing an upward trend. In the first 4 weeks of the new year, it even dethroned Germany. Most Dutch export piglets went to Spanish stables during this period. Compared to the first 4 weeks of 2024, the increase was no less than 21%.

FMD plays a role
Inquiries with piglet exporters show that the FMD outbreak probably plays an important role. Due to the German FMD outbreak, prices on the piglet market in our region plummeted. Piglets became up to €15 cheaper in a week. Spanish fatteners, who mainly focus on delivering slaughter pigs in the summer months, are less shocked by the FMD problem here. They saw their chance and eagerly accepted the piglets with 'FMD discount'. Traders indicate that flocks that had difficulty finding a place in Germany due to FMD could be sold in Spain for reasonable prices.

Where the Spanish market usually demands intact piglets from a Duroc terminal boar, Pietrain piglets (possibly castrated) can also find a place at this time of year. However, trading parties that do a lot of business with Spain expect that German demand could improve somewhat in the coming period (when the market there returns to calm). This would bring German and Spanish import needs closer together again. If piglet prices increase somewhat after the major FMD dip, it will be less interesting for Spanish fatteners to buy piglets here.

In addition, it is also mentioned that Spanish integrations will have to deal with stricter animal welfare standards. In practice, this means that the minimum surface area per fattening pig will increase from 0,65m2 per animal to 0,74m2 per animal. The new requirements will come into effect in March 2025. Although a limited increase in square meters, the percentage increase is nevertheless 14%. It could ensure that fattening pig farmers need fewer piglets to fill stables, although the total effect on the market will be minimal, according to insiders. 

Spain remains important for the time being 
Opinions in the trade are somewhat divided about the future demand for piglets from Spain. On the one hand, the Spanish sector is strongly positioned and wants to expand its own piglet production. While Dutch exports of pork are declining somewhat, the Spanish sector managed to increase the volume slightly in the first 11 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Spanish exporters were able to sell larger volumes overseas, especially in the second half of the year. In order to be able to supply this volume, there must of course be sufficient piglets available. At the moment, the slaughter capacity in Spain, according to sources, is still greater than the supply of animals.

It is indicated that the PRRS problem on Spanish pig farms is still not under control. At the same time, this is also the other side of the coin: if the Spanish sow herd becomes healthier and more productive in the long term, the import of piglets can also quickly decline.