Pig market after Christmas remains very uncertain

In almost all major European pig-producing countries, pig prices – after significant depreciation – are unchanged heading into the Christmas holidays. This is, in a sense, a welcome development, as rumors were circulating in the market that the German VEZG price index might fall further. Price reductions are not expected until January 7th. It is still difficult to predict exactly how the new year will unfold. Price pressure is likely to continue to plague the market.

Slaughter figures
In the run-up to the holidays, a considerable number of pigs were slaughtered. This means the pig supply is somewhat smaller at the front, but there is still a risk of a pig glut. Dutch slaughter figures for the past week are still unavailable. The German slaughter figure reached 795.157, the highest since the end of 2022. This is partly due to additional piglets being slaughtered.

Meat sales
Meat sales are benefiting in the short term from Christmas demand, which is now slowly dwindling. Afterward, demand for raw materials will decline as sausage makers scale down significantly. Buyers aren't expecting higher prices and are willing to leave volumes uncovered. In the market context, this isn't entirely surprising, given the ample supply from Denmark and Spain in particular.

DCA Benchmark Price - Pigs
The DCA Exchange price for slaughtered pigs remains at €1,44 per kilo, while the price for live pigs remains at €1,11 per kilo. The DCA Exchange price will be published today for the last time on Friday. Starting in the new year, the publication date will shift to Monday evening, and the price will become a mutation priceDue to the Christmas holidays, the next listing in the old year will appear on Monday, December 29th.

Click here for an explanation from DCA Market Intelligence on the listing.