EU pig supply will continue to increase in 2026

Price drop or not, the pig supply within the European Union will also grow significantly this year. That is the conclusion of the European Commission (EC) in its most recent market outlook. Rising slaughter numbers at major producers are causing the available volume of pork on the European market to increase. According to the EC's latest forecast, the total number of slaughterings in 2026 could reach 235.1 million pigs. That is 9 million more than in 2025, when 226.2 million pigs were processed. This means an Europe-wide increase of 4%. Especially in Spain, Germany and Denmark, slaughter numbers are increasing, although there are also countries where the number of slaughterings is declining. Spain will further strengthen its leading position Despite the uncertain situation on the Spanish pig market due to African swine fever, this will not yet be visible in the production figures this year. On an annual basis, the number of slaughterings could reach 59.5 million animals. That is 8.7 million, or 17.3%, more than in 2025. An increase is also expected in Germany of 1.2 million slaughterings (+3.6%) and in Denmark of 0.7 million (+2.3%). Relatively strong increases are also forecast in Romania (+11.6%) and Portugal (+6.8%). EC outlook pig slaughter 2026 (in million units) Slaughterings 2025 Outlook 2026 Quarter 1 56,6 59,3 Quarter 2 54,1 57,3 Quarter 3 56,2 57,2 Quarter 4 59,3 61,2 Total 226,2 235,1 Decline in the Netherlands and Poland According to the figures, the number of slaughterings in the Netherlands is falling by 0.7 million animals, a decrease of 3.5%. In Poland, a stronger decline is expected: 0.8 million fewer slaughterings, or 8.6%. On balance, the number of slaughterings may recover to around 235.1 million animals. That is still below the level of 249.6 million in 2021. Because slaughter weights have increased since then, the decline in the produced volume of pork is more limited.