Chinese tariffs directly impact pig price

The import tariffs imposed by China on European slaughterhouses have had a direct impact on the pig price this week. The market has become quite disrupted, and this is also reflected in the prices. Vion lowers the weekly price by €0.05 to €1.75 per kilo, which is the lowest level since 2021 at this time of year. Vion received a tariff of 32.7% imposed by China on Friday and was thus hit the hardest of all Dutch slaughterhouses.In an explanation of the decrease, there is no implicit reference to the tariffs. However, Vion states that the market for by-products has come under severe pressure. Additionally, the strong euro and a large supply of meat in Denmark and Spain are causing strain. In these countries, relatively many pigs are being slaughtered this year, which automatically generates a large supply of meat. Germany stable Following Vion, Westfort, Van Rooi, and Compaxo also lower their prices by €0.05. Although reductions were already anticipated, they are still quite substantial overall. The German pig price (VEZG) remains unchanged this week at €1.85 per kilo. However, Germany is not directly affected by the Chinese tariffs due to an ongoing boycott on German pork because of the presence of African swine fever in the country.