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EU pig supply to increase further in 2026
The number of pig slaughterings in the EU is growing strongly this year, particularly due to higher production in Spain and Germany. At the same time, supply is shrinking in countries such as the Netherlands. Read more about the development of slaughter numbers in the EU.
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According to the EC's most recent forecast, the total number of slaughterings could reach 235,1 million pigs in 2026. That is 9 million more than in 2025, when 226,2 million pigs were processed. This represents a Europe-wide increase of 4%. Slaughter numbers are increasing particularly in Spain, Germany, and Denmark, although there are also countries where the number of slaughterings is decreasing.
Spain will further strengthen its lead
Despite the uncertain situation on the Spanish pig market due to African swine fever, this will not yet be visible in the production figures this year. On an annual basis, the number of slaughterings could reach 59,5 million animals. That is 8,7 million, or 17,3%, more than in 2025.
An increase of 1,2 million slaughterings (+3,6%) is also expected in Germany, and 0,7 million (+2,3%) in Denmark. Relatively strong increases are also anticipated in Romania (+11,6%) and Portugal (+6,8%).
|
EC outlook pig slaughter 2026 (in millions of pieces) |
Massacres 2025 |
Outlook 2026 |
|
Term 1 |
56,6 |
59,3 |
|
Term 2 |
54,1 |
57,3 |
|
Term 3 |
56,2 |
57,2 |
|
Term 4 |
59,3 |
61,2 |
|
Total |
226,2 |
235,1 |
Decline in the Netherlands and Poland
According to the figures, the number of slaughterings in the Netherlands is decreasing by 0,7 million animals, a decline of 3,5%. A sharper decline is expected in Poland: 0,8 million fewer slaughterings, or 8,6%.
On balance, the number of slaughterings can recover to approximately 235,1 million animals. This is still below the level of 249,6 million in 2021. Because slaughtered weights have increased since then, the decline in the volume of pork produced is more limited.