The EU pig price rise is showing signs of easing off, indicating that the supply and demand is now in balance, according to AHDB Pork.
Although the reference price for the week ended August 21 was up by €21.71/100kg (£18.50/100kg) on the same point last year, the week’s prices showed a modest decline from the previous seven days. This was the first such decline since April this year.
“The slowing of the price increase is suggesting that supply is now at a balance with demand,” said AHDB Pork, adding that while supplies have been tightening among many member states, there has also been a decrease in demand.
“There have been reports of a disappointing barbeque season, particularly in Germany, which has affected domestic demand. However, strong export volumes to the Far East has helped to support this drop in domestic consumption, thereby assisting in stabilising the price.”
There were fluctuations, however, in price changes across the major producing member states over the last four reported weeks with Germany, Spain and France all showing modest price increases while Denmark and the Netherlands both suffered price falls.