Piglet price is still stable, pig market more positive

While the pig market is cautiously trending upward, piglet prices are moving more downward. For now, both markets are still sufficiently balanced to expect large price movements. Nevertheless, the DCA Beurs Mutatieprijs is taking a step upward. The demand for piglets has weakened in recent weeks. In particular, Spaniards have become more reluctant to place piglets. In the peak weeks in March, more than 50,000 Dutch piglets went that way, now that number is around 40,000. In the coming weeks this number will probably decline further, making more piglets available on the domestic market. There are increasingly again (residual) groups available. Buyers are not lining up for these. Still, supply of piglets is relatively tight and that is keeping prices supported. Whether that will remain so in the coming weeks remains to be seen. Historically, price pressure emerges later in spring, but the exact timing is difficult to determine. During the broken slaughter weeks around King's Day, Ascension Day and Pentecost, the pressure will probably increase, but that is still some time away. Despite a few low bids, the DCA BestPigletPrice remains unchanged at €57.50 per piglet. Based on previous years, the Dutch piglet price will likely remain firm in the coming weeks as well. Slight increase in Beurs Mutatieprijs With current pig prices, price pressure on the piglet market is nevertheless likely, although the pig market does make a more positive impression. Supply after Easter in Northwestern Europe is tight and slaughter weights are declining, although this week that may be partly masked by NVWA employees who want to strike again on Tuesday. The other side of the coin is that demand for pork is not strong, although the market is picking up slightly. Several traders believe the time is ripe for an increase in the pig price. Others think it is still too early and that the chances of an increase will be greater later this year. Based on the bids, the DCA Beurs Mutatieprijs rises by €0.01 per kilo.