25.
02.26
Slaughter pig market continues to gain stability

Schweine News, 25/Feb/2026

Bullish
  • Declining live supply with rapid marketing
  • Falling carcass weights as an indicator of supply relief
  • Very lively demand on the piglet market with further mark-ups
Bearish
  • Seasonally still quiet meat market without strong impetus
  • Strong euro
  • Burdened third-country exports due to trade restrictions

Germany: V-price 1.55 €/kg (range 1.55 - 1.60 €/kg)

The weekly slaughter figures are 730,204(previous week 739,316) and a carcass weight of 98.6 kg. In the previous week, they were 98.9 kg.

The pre-registrations for the current week amount to 262,300 (previous week: 266,100)

The ISN auction on Tue, 24.02.2026 achieved an average price of 1.61 € in a range of 1.60 - 1.62 €/kg.

The V-price is for the period from 25.02.2026 to 04.03.2026has been set at € 1.55/kg in a range of € 1.55 - 1.60/kg .

Market and price development in selected competitor countries:

In Denmark , the comparably calculated prices remained the same in CW 9, 2026 at €1.28/kg.

In Belgium, prices rose by 5 ct in week 9 of 2026 and stood at €1.52/kg.

In the Netherlands , prices rose by 8 ct in week 9 of 2026 and are at €1. 50/kg.

In France/Brittany , comparable prices remained the same in CW 9, 2026 at €1.59/kg.

In Italy, prices fell by 2 ct in the 9th week of 2026 and stand at €1.81/kg.

In Spain, the comparable price rose by 4 ct in CW 9, 2026, to €1.40/kg.

USA: with a dollar exchange rate of 1.18 $ = 1.00 € , producer prices are currently around 1.71 €/kg and have therefore risen slightly compared to the previous week. The US pig market was stable to slightly firmer overall last week. Slaughter numbers rose moderately, while average weights fell slightly, which limited the amount of meat available. At wholesale level, belly meat in particular provided a boost and stabilized the entire cuts market. At the same time, the latest export data signaled somewhat more subdued momentum in foreign business, with Mexico as the most important buyer remaining steady in the market. The latest cold store stocks are higher than in the previous month, which acts as a buffer and can dampen short-term price peaks. Overall, the market is therefore caught between solid domestic demand, slightly growing supply and an export trend that needs to be monitored closely in order to assess the direction of the coming weeks.

Brazil: Current producer prices are the equivalent of €1.47/kg and have fallen slightly compared to the previous week. The Brazilian pig market was under slight pressure last week, as a seasonally weaker domestic business and a temporarily high supply of animals ready for slaughter weighed on producer prices. At the same time, the export business once again proved to be a stabilizing factor. Exports continued to increase in February and ensured a steady outflow from the domestic market. On the cost side, the animal feed markets developed unevenly, with rising maize prices narrowing margins somewhat, while soybeans fell slightly, providing limited relief. On the currency side, the Brazilian real strengthened against the US dollar, which somewhat dampened export competitiveness but made imported cost components cheaper. Overall, the market is therefore divided in two in the short term. Weaker domestic sales meet dynamic foreign trade demand, which continues to support the sector.

China: Prices in China remained constant last week at the equivalent of €1.88/kg on the spot market. After the end of the holiday demand, the Chinese pig market was slightly weaker overall in wholesale last week, while retail prices remained largely stable. Market observers report a typical seasonal dip in demand after the Spring Festival, while at the same time more animals ready for slaughter are entering the market again. The opposite trend is noticeable in piglets, where prices are rising, an indication of medium-term production expectations and continued confidence on the part of larger farms. On the cost side, stable maize prices and only slightly falling soybean meal prices are providing some relief, but without providing a clear impetus for a market turnaround. Overall, there are many indications of a phase of consolidation in which supply, demand and political control mechanisms are rebalancing the market.

ASP

Conclusion
The slaughter pig market has clearly stabilized this week. The declining live supply is meeting with steady demand from slaughterhouses, meaning that marketing is proceeding swiftly. Slaughter numbers and weights have fallen recently and surpluses have been reduced. Prices are rising in large parts of Europe, while Denmark and France are trending sideways. The meat market remains quiet for seasonal reasons, but the first cuts are stable to firmer. On the piglet market, brisk demand continues to outstrip supply, leading to further price increases.

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ZMP Live Expert Opinion

Market sentiment has clearly turned in favor of producers. The reduced supply coupled with stable demand forms a viable basis for the current upward trend. The decisive factor will be whether the meat market develops sufficient momentum at the beginning of the month and with seasonal impetus to support higher purchase prices. The export situation within the EU is stable, while third-country business remains sensitive. In the short term, the positive signals predominate, while further development in the medium term depends largely on the recovery in sales in the meat trade.

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