EU sow prices have risen significantly since the beginning of March, after a steady start to the year,. This reflects trends in the finished pig market. Both real and anticipated increases in Chinese import demand have been offering market support.
More recently, the EU pig market has been more tempered, with some declines over the past month. Therefore, sow prices have also started to fall. However, with further growth in Chinese demand expected, this may be a settling of a market rather than the start of a longer downward trend.
AHDB analyst Tom Forshaw said:
"The UK exports many cull sow carcases to Germany, and the higher German sow prices will have boosted GB sow prices. This is supported by industry reports. The weakening pound will have also supported the competitiveness of UK sow meat on the EU market."
