Looking into EU Grade E pig prices, the overall EU price has seen relative stability over recent weeks, according to a recent market report from AHDB. 

Average pig prices have risen from the lower levels seen in the beginning of 2024 when weakening demand was reported to be driving prices down. For the week ending 5 May, the EU average sits at 187.11p/kg with the market reported to be in balance. 

Although there have been some weekly fluctuations, the value has remained between 187 and 188p/kg for the last six weeks, up almost 4p since the start of the year. 

The difference between UK and EU prices now sits at 21.8p/kg, returning to more usual trends following a larger difference seen at the beginning of the year and a narrow 2023.

Looking at the key producing nations, France has recorded the largest growth since the year began, up 21.5p. Spain has seen the second-largest change, up 14.1p, while smaller gains were made in Poland, Germany and Belgium between 5 and 7p. Denmark and the Netherlands, however, have lost 9.9p and 13.4p, respectively.

If demand within the EU remains stable, as predicted by the European Commission latest outlook, we expect this to support current pricing, given current market conditions. However, if consumption sees a shift either positively or negatively, this may add pressure to the market.