Mercedes Vega, General Director for Spain, Italy & Portugal
Autumn has just arrived, and Spain continues to have pork prices above the rest of the EU. Last Thursday, the Mercolleida market closed at €1.704/kg of live weight.
Source: Mercolleida
Prices are slowly decreasing due to the increased supply driven by lower temperatures, following a similar trend to that of Germany and the Netherlands, maintaining the gap with Spain, which has persisted throughout the year. Meanwhile, France has been decreasing its prices since mid-July, initially remaining close to Spanish levels but now aligning with Germany and the Netherlands. A significant price drop occurred last week, triggered by the impact of an animal rights activist video targeting Leclerc, one of France’s largest processing plants, and the farmers supplying it with pigs. Italy, however, continues to see rising prices due to ASF outbreaks.
Source: Mercolleida
In the Spanish market, the drop in temperatures has led to an increase in supply, which is being well absorbed by processing plants. These plants have been able to optimize their facilities, thus reducing costs. Live weight at 112.47 kg remains 1.22 kg higher than in 2023, continuing the upward trend of recent years.
Source: Mercolleida
Regarding piglets, prices continue to fall in the Spanish market. As is typical for this time of year, pork prices are dropping, while heavier processing weights are being accepted. Farmers who bought piglets at high prices are seeking to increase profitability by allowing them to gain more weight, delaying the availability of fattening spaces. It is likely that it will be a few more weeks before there is enough space and piglets are in demand, which would consequently push up their prices.
Source: Mercolleida
For producers, this has been a profitable year, as shown by data from SIP Consultors:
Source: SIP Consultors
Between January and June, exports totalled 1,368,700 tons, valued at €4,350.30 million, compared to 1,388,000 tons and €4,463.70 million in the same period last year. This represents a decrease of 1.4% in volume and 2.5% in value.
Source: INTERPORC based on DATACOMEX (AEAT).
Exports to China
Regarding exports to China, a key issue discussed was the anti-dumping investigation initiated by Chinese authorities on European pork this past June, as well as other matters currently under negotiation. Spanish authorities have expressed their strong support and commitment to defending the sector’s interests, highlighting the importance of pork exports to China. During the official visit to China by the Spanish Prime Minister, representatives from INTERPORC, along with leading companies and organizations from Spain, were part of the business delegation accompanying the government.
