Slaughter pig market stabilizes at a low level
Germany: V-price 1.45 €/kg (range 1.45 - 1.45 €/kg)
The weekly slaughter figures have not yet been published(previous week: 477,726) The slaughter weights have also not yet been published. In the previous week, they were 99.5 kg.
The pre-registrations for the current week amount to 315,600 (previous week: 321,000)
The ISN auction on Tue, 13.01.2026 took place without trading, as trading activity is suspended around the holidays.
The V-price is for the period from 15.01.2026 to 21.01.2026has been set at € 1.45/kg within a range of € 1.45 - € 1.45/kg .
Market and price development in selected competitor countries:
In Denmark , the comparably calculated prices are unchanged in the 3rd week of 2026 and stand at € 1.33/kg.
In Belgium, prices fell by 17 ct in the 3rd week of 2026 and stood at €1.21/kg.
In the Netherlands , prices in the 3rd week of 2026 are unchanged at €1.36/kg.
In France/Brittany , comparable prices in the 3rd week of 2026 are unchanged at €1.61/kg.
In Italy, prices fell by 10 ct in the 3rd week of 2026 and stand at €2.00/kg.
In Spain, the comparable price fell by 5 ct in the 3rd week of 2026 and stands at €1.34/kg.
USA: with a dollar exchange rate of 1.17 $ = 1.00 € , producer prices are currently around 1.32 €/kg and have thus risen slightly compared to the previous week.The US pig market has started the new year with a continued high supply, slaughter figures are back at a normal level and stocks are slightly higher than in the previous year. At the same time, the breeding sow herd remains rather tight, while productivity (piglets per litter) continues to rise, meaning that overall production is only growing moderately. Domestic demand appears stable, but the market is currently not characterized by acute procurement pressure from slaughtering companies. In terms of exports, Mexico remains the most important sales market, while China is buying significantly fewer goods; recently there have been good orders from Japan again. One uncertainty factor is new import tariffs in Mexico, which could have a negative impact on US deliveries.
Brazil: Current producer prices are the equivalent of €1.76/kg and have fallen slightly compared to the previous week. The Brazilian pig market is stable overall at the turn of the year, supported by continued solid domestic demand and very strong exports. Due to seasonal factors, domestic demand tends to be quieter at the start of the year, as people consume less after the holidays and high temperatures slow down fresh meat sales. At the same time, the general conditions for production remain comparatively favorable, mainly due to good grain supplies and stable feed costs. Overall, associations and market observers assess the situation positively and expect further moderate growth in production, consumption and exports in 2026.
China: Prices in China have risen slightly in the last week and are the equivalent of €1.95/kg on the spot market. The Chinese pig market is currently still characterized by a high supply, as stocks (including breeding sows) are still at a relatively high level despite announced reductions. At the same time, demand remains rather subdued, as the impetus for consumption is weaker after the turn of the year. Many farms scaled back their marketing in January after above-average slaughtering at the end of the year, making market supply appear somewhat tighter in the short term. Animal diseases (especially African swine fever) remain a major risk and are leading to early sales and stock losses in some regions. In terms of foreign trade policy, China is attempting to protect the domestic market more strongly, including through measures against imports (e.g. tariffs on EU goods). Overall, the situation is currently at a low, stable level after a difficult year, with a cautious outlook that the market balance could improve as the year progresses.
Conclusion
The live supply remains extensive and, in conjunction with regional differences in the reduction of surpluses, is creating a tense marketing situation. Demand from slaughterhouses remains subdued, which is also reflected in the continued high level of supply on the meat market. Despite the weak environment, prices for pigs for slaughter are holding steady at the recently significantly lower level. The pressure is also continuing on the piglet market, where it is difficult to market free lots regionally. Cut prices are under pressure and some of the goods are being sent to cold storage. Slaughter weights have recently risen again, further increasing supply pressure. Piglet prices have been noticeably reduced in several regions, which indicates a further deterioration in sentiment.
ZMP Live Expert Opinion
The sideways trend in prices shows that the market is currently looking to bottom out, but there is a lack of impetus for a real recovery. Sluggish domestic demand and price pressure on the meat market remain a burden. Positive impetus is not yet in sight, as there is also increased price pressure in EU trade. Without a structural market adjustment, the situation remains tense with limited upward scope. The situation on the third-country export market remains limited due to ASF, which is putting additional pressure on export prospects. The situation is not expected to improve until there is a noticeable reduction in live supply or a regionalization agreement with China.
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