Piglet and pork markets follow seasonal rise

European piglet and pork prices continued to increase, following the typical seasonal pattern towards spring. However, with Easter demand largely fulfilled, the market is beginning to stabilise.DCA EU-5 piglet prices closed at €66.36 per head, up €2.48 week-on-week, while pork prices increased by 6 cents to €1.57 per kilo. This upward movement follows the seasonal pattern towards spring and summer, although price levels remain below those seen in 2025. With Easter demand largely covered and early spring buying interest fading, the market is expected to move into a more stable phase. In the Netherlands, the DCA Best Piglet Price reached €57.50 per head in week 13, increasing slightly by 50 cents. The limited upward movement suggests that the market is starting to stabilise, due to a combination of rising piglet supply and enough placement space at farms. Similarly, Spain and Denmark report ample piglet availability. Spain prices held steady for three consecutive weeks at €65 per head, indicating that supply may be finally in line with demand.Germany, however, shows a different dynamic. Piglet prices moved above Dutch levels in week 13, reaching €58 per head, despite stable pig prices. This is somewhat counterintuitive and may point to tighter domestic availability or relatively stronger internal demand. But it remains unclear whether this is a short-term imbalance or the start of a more structural shift.Pork market show signs of stabilization The pork market is giving stabilizing signs with most of orders fulfilled and not much movement expected before Easter. With the temporary demand impulse now behind the market, purchasing activity is slowing, reducing both slaughter pace and urgency for placements.This dynamic is already visible in Germany, where prices have held at €1.70 per kilo for three consecutive weeks. Similarly, the DCA Dutch pork price showed only a marginal increase of 0.02 in week 13, reinforcing the view that the market is entering a more stable phase.Nonetheless, some markets remain exposed to external factors. Denmark and the Netherlands, in particular, continue to be sensitive to global developments. The recent temporary pause in attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, have led to some volatility in oil prices. Although prices eased slightly at the start of the week, they seem to be increasing again, adding uncertainty. Looking ahead, the post-Easter market direction is uncertain and will depend on weather conditions as well. On the supply side, the Netherlands is likely to face further tightening, while countries such as Denmark and Spain still report sufficient pig availability.