The latest report from ISN details that the exception to the price freeze was Spain, where a three cents’ increase was observed. In Germany, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands, and Belgium, the market situation remained almost unchanged when compared to last week. The quantities of pigs for slaughter on offer continue to be quite manageable yet at the same time, demand on the part of the slaughter companies remained below average. From many countries, among which you find Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, there are complaints about how the slaughter weights have increased and with that, the quantities of meat on offer. Apart from in the German markets, slaughter weights have not decreased in those countries over recent weeks.

There is a glimmer of hope in the Spanish pig market. There, the Chinese importers are reported to be slightly more interested in the products than they were before. As was reported in previous weeks, the prices had increased a little for the first time after two years, and first signs of the market getting livelier were observed after the Chinese New Year.

A similar story was reported by a French market participant. Because of good demand on the part of the Spanish slaughter companies, the price went up by a converted three cents per kg slaughter weight. Compared with the other European countries, a quite remarkable 9 cents’ price increase could already be achieved in 2019.

Trend for the German market

As before, the picture continues to be a split one. The quantities of pigs for slaughter on offer remain rather manageable with demand still equalling supply. On the other hand, impulse in the meat trade is missing. Contrary to the Spanish and French slaughter companies, the German slaughter companies still assure that demand from Asia continues in a sluggish manner.

It is predicted that the quantities of pigs for slaughter on offer will decrease with prices remaining (at least) unchanged as a consequence.