10.
12.25
ASF in Spain causes sustained price pressure in Europe

Schweine News, 10/Dec/2025

Bullish
  • Seasonal upturn in demand in food retailing and processing
  • Stabilization on the piglet market with a balanced relationship between supply and demand
  • Christmas business gets underway
Bearish
  • Export bans and price pressure in Spain due to ASF with market distortions in EU trade
  • Closure of the Perleberg site leads to limited marketing logistics in the north-east
  • Strong euro

ASF in Spain causes continued price pressure in Europe

Germany: V-price 1.60 €/kg (range 1.60 - 1.60 €/kg)

The weekly slaughter figures were 781,138 (previous week: 777,296) The slaughter weights were 98.1 kg. In the previous week, they were 98.4 kg.

The pre-registrations for the current week amount to 273,400 (previous week: 277,400)

The ISN auction on Tue, 09.12.2025 was without trade.

The V-price is for the period from 11.12.2025 to 17.12.2025has been set at €1.60/kg within a range of €1.60 - €1.60/kg .

Market and price development in selected competitor countries:

In Denmark , comparably calculated prices fell by 7 ct in the 50th week of 2025 and stand at €1.46/kg.

In Belgium, prices in the 50th week of 2025 remained unchanged at € 1.40/kg.

In the Netherlands , prices fell by 6 ct in week 50, 2025 and are at €1.40/kg.

In France/Brittany , the comparable prices fell by 1 ct in week 50 and stand at €1.61/kg.

In Italy prices in the 50th week of 2025 fell by 5 ct and are now at 2.20 €/kg remained.

In Spain the comparable price in the 50th week of 2025 fell by 12 ct and stands at 1.47 €/kg is now lower.

USA: with a dollar exchange rate of 1.16 $ = 1.00 € , producer prices are currently around 1.35 €/kg and have thus remained stable compared to the previous week. Last week, the US pig market was characterized by high slaughter volumes, which were additionally boosted by heavier animals and a significant backlog slaughter after the public holiday. On the demand side, however, the impetus remained subdued: The wholesale market failed to find a clear direction and the expected boost from the public holiday business has so far been moderate. Export flows remained stable, led by Mexico and Japan, while China became somewhat more active again but still does not play a dominant role. In production, the onset of winter in the Midwest and initial transportation delays attracted additional attention, but did not lead to any major disruptions. Overall, the market presented itself as well supplied, slightly tense due to the weather, but without any clear impetus that could change the fundamental supply overhang in the short term.

Brazil: Current producer prices are the equivalent of €1.76/kg and have remained stable compared to the previous week after adjusting for exchange rate effects. Supply and demand were in balance, meaning that there were neither surpluses nor shortages. At the same time, exports are booming: exports rose significantly in the first week of December, mainly due to higher demand from Asia and new markets such as the Philippines. Domestic consumption remains high, supported by the stable economic situation and competitive meat prices. Associations and analysts believe the industry is well positioned overall. With lower feed costs, reliable animal health and potential for further growth, the situation looks solid. Despite individual challenges, such as regional weather events or disease outbreaks, the market has remained remarkably calm and robust recently.

China: prices in China have risen slightly in the last week and are at the equivalent of €1.84/kg on the spot market. The Chinese pig market is still deep in crisis: a structural oversupply is meeting with subdued demand, which is increasing price pressure on producers and pushing many into the red. Although government agencies have already introduced countermeasures, such as targeted reductions in breeding sow stocks and stockpiling in meat reserves, the market remains oversaturated with animals for slaughter. At the same time, high stocks of frozen goods and a lack of seasonal impetus are dampening expectations of an imminent upturn. Many market participants are now pinning their hopes on a revival in consumption around the Chinese New Year, but analysts are warning of a possible second low point in the pig cycle before there are any signs of a turnaround in the medium term.

asp

Conclusion
The slaughter pig market is largely balanced in the week leading up to Christmas, with marketing conditions varying from region to region. Demand from slaughterhouses is brisk and is being supported by buoyant domestic demand. The piglet market shows a stable trend with largely unchanged prices. Slaughter numbers continue to rise slightly, while the average carcass weight is falling again. On the European market, Spanish meat volumes are increasingly weighing on competition as a result of the ASF situation.

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ZMP Live Expert Opinion

Market players are increasingly focusing on developments in Spain. The ASF outbreak in wild boar in Catalonia has led to massive export bans and is forcing Spanish slaughterhouses to adopt aggressive pricing strategies. These are increasingly forcing cheaper pork onto the EU market and significantly intensifying competition. Export markets in which Spain is losing market share are particularly affected, opening up opportunities for competitors. At the same time, there are growing fears that the market pressure from Spanish meat will increase in the coming weeks and could have a dampening effect on price sentiment throughout Europe. In Germany, the seasonal increase in domestic demand is supporting the market, while slaughtering and logistics are preparing for the upcoming holidays.

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