Irish Pig Trade: Steady Increase in Deadweight Prices
Prices
Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory in response to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Prices have increased steadily week on week from a low of 190c/kg in mid February 2024.
The average price paid for grade E pig prices in Ireland for the w/e 17 August 2024 was 230c/kg excluding Vat. The current Irish price is 6c/kg higher than the corresponding week last year
Throughput
While throughput has improved in the last quarter demand continues to run ahead of supplies. Total throughput YTD is 2,036,687 which is marginally behind the corresponding period in 2023. Throughput for week ending 17 August 2024, was 63,920 back up by almost 10,000 head from the week previous due to lower figures week previous due to the impact of the bank holiday.
The latest available data from the CSO shows that Irish exports of primary pigmeat products were valued at €243 million, 2% higher than the corresponding period in 2023. A recovery in pig supplies for processing and a slight improvement in carcase weights have contributed to a similar 2% increase in export volumes during H1.
Within the H1 exports, there were notable increases in the value of trade to the UK (+16% to €71 million), and EU markets (+25% to €59 million). Meanwhile, there were declines in the value of Irish pigmeat exports to Asian markets (-15% to €77 million) and Oceania (-37% to €16 million.).
