Analysis Pigs
Uncertainty reigns on the pig and piglet market
The pressure on the German market is affecting the Dutch pig and piglet market this week. Prices are expected to plummet this week. The first DCA Exchange Mutation Price of 2026 is expected to reflect this. The DCA BestPigletPrice is also moving downward.
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At the start of a new calendar year, the pig market always needs to regain its balance after the holidays, when slaughter days are cancelled. The Dutch pig supply is therefore plentiful. However, traders say the situation on the domestic market could have been worse. There are plenty of pigs, but it's not getting out of hand.
Many pigs in Germany
Germany has proportionally more pigs, so it's said. There's also talk of a "pig plug," or "Schweinestau." This is expected to cause a significant price correction on the German market this week. A reduction of -€0,10 per kilo, or perhaps even more, is being discussed. However, it's expected to remain at one significant price correction in January.
Although Dutch slaughterhouses are already using a lower base price, they are still expected to (largely) follow the downward trend. Therefore, traders are advocating for a lower DCA Exchange Mutation Price. The data suggests an expected price of -€0,04 per kilo.
Falling meat prices
The meat market is also experiencing significant price pressure. This is partly due to lower demand for pork after the holidays. In the lead-up to the holidays, some component prices rose and are now correcting downwards. Furthermore, the market is still affected by the outbreak of African swine fever in Spain, which is putting significant pressure on component prices. Heavyweight carcass prices are also falling sharply this week, according to the parts prices from DCA. It is still uncertain how the market will react when slaughtering resumes at a normal pace starting next week.
piglet market
The price pressure on the pig market is also impacting the piglet market. Dutch exports are missing the impetus from Spain. Demand is present, but only at low prices of just over €30 per piglet. The situation within fixed pairings is more favorable. Based on the data, a reduction from €0,50 to €35 per piglet will be implemented this week. Note: as of 2026, the recommended amount for fixed costs at the breeder has been increased from €2,30 to €2,50 per piglet.
Click here for an explanation from DCA Market Intelligence on the BestPigletPrice.
Click here for an explanation from DCA Market Intelligence on the Exchange Mutation Price.