World meat industry news

Hardly any movement is observed on the European pig slaughter market this week. As expected, the northern states’ last week’s price increases could be maintained on the level achieved. The South, on the other hand, goes on flagging for seasonal reasons.

It becomes obvious that discontentment is very severe among the market participants all over Europe at the moment.

The conflict seems to be escalating between the offering and the purchasing sides.

The quantities of live pigs on offer are increasing everywhere with the general price level being far too low for the feeding side.

Needless to say that at the same time the processing side states the prices were too high.

In France, the listing could just hold its ground. Yet, the situation remains tense there. For the first time in history, the French slaughter companies did not accept the Pleurin market price but paid a deviating price which was far lower.

From fear of protest, no company had ever dared to do so until now, as said a market participant.

Dissatisfaction is also showing in the Netherlands. The latest quotation given by the Utrecht stock exchange had been suspended temporarily. Fierce criticism had been voiced among the Dutch livestock dealers after the minus 4 cents’ stock exchange result.

There was talk even of manipulation. This is now being examined. During the course of Monday, a quotation is expected to be published.

Trend for the German market:

Beyond controversy, the current market situation appears to be unsettled. The quantities on offer have grown. So, placing the quantities on offer until mid-week is possible to only a limited extent. However, marketers are currently reporting on a trend of very light-weight animals to be delivered by the pig feeders. At present, it seems to be very important a thing to remain calm and not throw in the towel. The result of tomorrow’s auction would better be awaited.