Poor demand continues to frustrate pork market
Poor demand for pork and low prices in Europe are continuing to hold back the UK pork market, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
Today, the Tribune bacon price edged towards £2/kg, hitting 196.5p/kg, while the SPP was up another 2.49p to 188.9p/kg last week – a new record, having risen more than 50p since mid-February and 30p ahead of a year ago – things look rosier.
However, the reality is that, even though £2/kg is now almost in sight, the average price producers are receiving remains well short of average costs, particularly as it takes time for any reductions in feed ingredient prices to translate into feed costs. The June average cost of 244p/kg, calculated by AHDB, was 4p on the May figure.
In its latest weekly market update, TVC said: “While supply continues to tighten, demand faltered again with poor sales being blamed. Although we are in a traditionally quieter sales period, it is still frustrating that demand is seemingly so poor.
“In reality, some of the blame can be pointed at the low prices in Europe putting a brake on our trade by its continual source of cheap imports. Indeed, many of our fresh meat customers are experiencing this, and it is undercutting our ability to push prices.
“Most of these imports are entering the country unchecked, and considering the latest spread of ASF in Germany, we echo the calls by NPA and others that the government must improve our border controls.”
Alistair Driver / Pig World
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