News
This section contains a range of articles providing the latest news, commentary and analysis of the pig market in the UK, EU and globally.
Pig Prices continue to ease
17 October 2018
During the week ending 13 October, the EU-spec SPP continued downwards, falling by 0.49p to 146.30p/kg. The price is currently 11.59p below the same week last year.
EU short-term outlook published – autumn 2018
17 October 2018
Over the summer the dry conditions caught many headlines and also affected European cereal production, with total production estimated to be down by 8% on the average, according to the European Commission.
Doubts over the June survey results
16 October 2018
The UK pig herd increased by 1% compared to a year earlier, to 5.0 million head, according to the June Agricultural Survey figures published by Defra. Within this, there was stronger growth in England (+2%), but this was countered by declines from Northern Ireland (-2%) and Scotland (-3%).
Rising EU prices boosted competitiveness of UK pork in August
16 October 2018
UK imports of pig meat declined in August, while exports increased compared with a year earlier, according to the latest figures from HMRC.
USDA forecasts global growth in pork production and trade
16 October 2018
The latest forecast from the United States Department of Agriculture predicts global pork production will rise by 1% in 2019. This reflects continued expansion in China and the United States, underpinned by global economic growth driving increased demand.
Growth in UK production stalls in September
16 October 2018
UK pig meat production totalled 72,900 tonnes in September, a 5% decrease compared to the same month a year earlier.
Pig prices edge downwards
10 October 2018
In the week ended 6 October, the EU-spec SPP fell once again, to 146.79p/kg. The week-on-week fall of 0.42p is typical of the declines that have been recorded since early August, and brings the SPP to the lowest level since May this year.
Mixed trends in EU member state pig numbers
10 October 2018
The overall EU pig herd increased slightly in the year to June 2018, according to provisional figures from Eurostat, however within this there was some contraction in the breeding herd. The latest census results cover 14 countries, including all the major producers, so should be representative of the whole EU.
Volume of pork traded within the EU increases
10 October 2018
The volume of fresh/frozen pork traded between EU countries increased in the first half of 2018, compared with year earlier levels, according to the latest Eurostat figures.
Polish pig production continues to grow
10 October 2018
Following growth during 2017, Polish pig meat production continues to grow in 2018.