Analysis Pigs
Spring is in the air at the pig market
After a difficult start to 2025, the pig market has recovered. A shrinking supply of pigs and their weights are relaxing the market. Meat sales are also picking up somewhat. Spring is clearly in the air.
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The slaughterhouses in the Netherlands have all increased their prices in the meantime, often even more than expected. It is a signal that factories do not want to lag too far behind with their basic price for fear of missing out when the supply becomes scarcer. It is also worth mentioning that the Dutch pig price has increased on its own, where normally Germany is strongly looked at. There, the quotations will probably remain unchanged until the end of March, as we last week already wrote.
Weights dropped further
Meanwhile, the supply in Northwestern Europe is shrinking more and more. There is no longer any oversupply with fewer than 300.000 slaughters in our country last week. The average slaughter weight has dropped to 102,20 kilos and is therefore below the 2024 level for the first time this year. In Germany, the slaughter figure will not exceed the limit of 700.000 pigs for the time being. In addition, the weights have dropped to an average of less than 100 kilos.
Meat supply less available
The declining supply of pigs is considerably boosting sentiment in the market. Especially since there are signs that meat sales are improving, now that spring is coming more into view. The supply of meat from Eastern Europe is smaller, which offers prospects for better sales of hams and forequarters, both of which are heavyweights within the carcass and therefore crucial for raising the value of the pig to a higher level. The fact that Dutch slaughterhouses started raising their quotations of their own accord last week underlines the idea that the margins are fine, although it should not be forgotten that they are often minimal.
Spring Market
In short, it is noticeable on the pig market that spring is coming soon, which usually brings with it price increases. Certainly due to the earlier downgrades regarding the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany, there seems to be potential for increase in the coming weeks, which is also reflected on the piglet market.
After a rapid increase last week, the movement has calmed down a bit. Based on the figures, the DCA Exchange price for slaughtered pigs increases by €0,01 to €1,79 per kilo. The price of live pigs remains at €1,40 per kilo.
Click here for an explanation from DCA Market Intelligence on the listing.