EU Finished Pig Supplies Likely to Fall in 2009
EU - The results of the latest EU pigmeat working group suggest that for the full year 2009, finished pig supplies will fall by almost three per cent to 248.8 million head.
19 October 2009
3 minute read
Looking ahead to the first half of next year, supplies and gross production are expected to be relatively similar to 2009 levels at 123.9 million head and 11.05 million tonnes, respectively. The move to increased live exports from key producers such as Denmark and the Netherlands continues with the trade to Germany expected to rise by almost 10 per cent in 2010.
With no change in carcase weights, Denmark is expected to increase supplies and gross production by two per cent to 21.2 million head in 2009. However, due to environmental regulations, Danish producers have adapted their system of production by exporting more live piglets, this is not expected to change for the foreseeable future.
In the Netherlands, both production and supplies are expected to increase by one per cent in 2009. Dutch sow numbers are increasing with a rise of one per cent recorded this year with a similar increase anticipated for 2010.
In Spain for 2009, a two per cent fall in finished pig supplies this year will result in similar fall in production at 3.4 million tonnes. Lower production is also anticipated in France with a 1 per cent decline forecast to 2.25 million tonnes.
German imports of piglet are forecast to rise by nine per cent to 16 million head in 2010 as the German breeding herd declines. Consequently, supplies are anticipated to increase by one per cent to 57.7 million head next year.
However, Poland is forecasting an 11 per cent fall in production in 2009 to 1.7 million tonnes. This is partly due to Russia importing a greater number of finishing pigs from Poland.
