Analysis Pigs
Pig market still not out of the doldrums
The piglet market remains weak this week. Both domestic and export demand are lagging, resulting in hardly any sales growth.
Read this article?
Become a subscriber and get instant access
Choose the subscription that suits you
Demand for piglets remains limited. In the Netherlands, the weak supply of finishing pigs is weighing heavily on the piglet market. The warm weather led to disappointing growth, resulting in fewer pigs being slaughtered. Consequently, pig farmers have also put fewer piglets up for slaughter.
Export is not running
Exports are also under pressure. While sales of pigs for meat are improving in Germany, the growing preference for fully German-owned chains means Dutch piglet traders are barely benefiting from this.
Trade with Spain also remains difficult. Demand is disappointing due to weak domestic consumption, partly due to lower wage indexations. The hospitality industry is particularly struggling. Furthermore, the warm weather has led to reduced growth of finisher pigs, which has also meant fewer piglets needing to be placed in Spain.
Stable price
As a result, piglet barns are full and buyers remain hesitant. Yet, a price reduction is unlikely. The Dutch price is already below that of other major markets; in Germany, in particular, the level is 33,7% higher. Because there's no visible movement there, most breeders fear that a further reduction would only cause unnecessary unrest.
The DCA BestPigletPrice therefore remains unchanged and remains at €46,00 per piglet.
Click here for an explanation from DCA Market Intelligence on the listing.