April 22, 2013

EU pig prices remain unchanged ahead of BBQ season

There have been no surprises in the European slaughter pig market in the first week of April, as prices continue to show little or no price changes.

Despite their slaughter pig price being reduced by £0.052 (US$0.079) last week, the United Kingdom has managed to bounce back with a noticeable increase of £0.048 (US$0.073) last week.

The Dutch and Belgian markets also appear positive, as their prices increased by a corrected €0.009 and €0.012 respectively.

However, both French and Italian markets have not been able to recover from the missing days of slaughter over the Easter holidays. In France, pig prices have fallen by €0.018 (US$0.023), whilst in Italy, due to continuing weak meat demand, prices continue their downward trend with a decrease of €0.088 (US$0.115).

Meanwhile, prices were unchanged in Germany, Denmark, Austria and Ireland. Spain's quotation also remains on the level achieved the week before.

The European slaughter pig market has been playing it safe this week, but the high temperatures expected this week could tip the scales in favour of the meat market. The start of the barbeque season and an expected decrease in the quantities of live pigs on offer could lead to more European countries reaching their desired pig prices.