European pig and pork markets under pressure as prices continue to fall

After weeks of steady prices in the European pig and pork markets, prices have now dropped in Week 24. The EU-5 Piglet Price Index is now at €44.10, €3.62 below last week, and the EU-6 Pork Price Index continues to decrease slowly, now at €1.53, 0.01 cents below the previous quotation. Piglet prices are falling quickly because farmers don't want to buy them, and pork prices are dropping across Northern Europe.The sharpest price declines were seen in Northern and Eastern Europe, with Denmark dropping from €0.10 to €1.19 per kg, the Netherlands from €0.08 to €1.32 per kg, and Poland from €0.02 to €1.52 per kg, reflecting oversupply and a weak demand for pork. On the one hand, key markets such as Germany (€1.60 per kg) continue to remain unchanged. On the other hand, Spain continues to outperform the rest of Europe, with rising prices another €0.03 to €1.68 per kg. Market sentiment remains tense, as slaughterhouses report difficulties securing favorable meat prices, adding further pressure to the sector.The piglet market has fallen by €3.62 over the past week. The change reflects growing caution among farmers, who are reluctant to purchase new piglets amid weak pork prices and unfavorable production margins. As a result, buyers have gained significant leverage, putting pressure on prices across all major producing countries. The Best Piglet Price fell by €2.00 to €38.50, Germany dropped €4.00 to €48.00, Denmark declined €4.01 to €43.77, and Belgium recorded the largest fall from €5.00 to €31.00. Even in Spain, where the pork market remains relatively strong, the piglet price fell too. Earlier this year, low exports to Asia and tough competition from Brazil and the US were reported, and these factors have also had repercussions for local farms. There is too much pork in Europe and not enough consumers. Some experts believe this price drop might have finally cleared out the extra supply. As summer begins, prices might stop falling so fast. However, until people start buying more meat again, the market will stay stressed, and prices will remain low.