Big uplift in EU pig prices adds further support to UK market
The EU reference price for pigs has gained a massive 18p in the space of just four weeks, providing strong support for UK pig prices.
The EU reference price, which covers the major pig producing countries, stood at 195.44p/kg for the week ending February 19, following these gains,
In comparison, despite a steady rise in the SPP in recent weeks, the UK reference price has remained relatively steady over the four-week period, seeing an increase of just over 1p to stand at 206.51p/kg for the week ending 19 Feb.
That puts the gap between the UK and EU reference prices at just 11p, which is low by historic standards and down from a gap of nearly 30p in late-January.
“Looking at historical trends, EU pig prices typically see an uplift as spring approaches,” said AHDB analyst Freya Shuttleworth. “Reports of tight supply in slaughter-ready pigs on the continent have likely brought forward this price rise by a few weeks as processors try to match supply with demand.”
Several key EU pig producers are now recording their highest prices on records, following significant price increases seen across the board in the four weeks ending February 19.
Alistair Driver / Pig World
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