Pig price drops significantly at the beginning of 2026

The pig prices in Northwest Europe will decrease further at the beginning of 2026. Both in Germany and in the Netherlands, prices are dropping significantly, keeping the price difference between the two countries intact. The German VEZG quote decreases by €0.15 to €1.45 per kilo. This reduction is not a surprise, but it is significant. There were already indications in the market that the German price would drop by 10 to 20 cents this week, pressured by the large German slaughterhouses. The decline is partly a result of price pressure from 2025. The German pig price stabilized at the end of November at €1.60 per kilo and ended the year at that level. Elsewhere in Europe, such as in the Netherlands, Spain, and Denmark, prices had already dropped further in December. Additionally, the pig supply in Germany is quite ample, partly due to the growth of the pig population. For example, there were hardly any farmers quitting last year. The Netherlands follows Germany Dutch slaughterhouses largely follow the German market. Compaxo also decreases by €0.15 per kilo, while Van Rooi implements a reduction of €0.14. The hope in the market was that the Dutch market would decline more mildly, thereby closing the price gap with Germany. That has not happened. There are indications that no further corrections will follow later in January on the significant reduction of pig prices that are currently posted this week.