In addition to high domestic supply, weak export business is keeping domestic prices in check.
Exports of German meat and meat products increased by just under 2% by weight in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period of the previous year. Pork products accounted for around a third of the weight. If extrapolated to 2013 as a whole, the previous year's result of 3.7 million tons could only just be achieved. The 2011 figure of 3.88 million tons is likely to be a long way off.
However, the increases in value in the first half of 2013 were comparatively modest on average, i.e. export prices were unable to keep pace with domestic prices. Less valuable cuts were the focus of sales business with other countries.
Export prices even fell for exports to third countries. When selling cuts to Russia, the average export price fell from € 1.78 to € 1.60 per kg compared to the same period last year. The average price for sales to third countries as a whole fell from € 1.68 to € 1.62 per kg.
The above prices clearly show that these prices cannot significantly support high domestic prices.
One of the main reasons for the limited export earnings is the preference for cheaper import cuts. In addition, the comparatively low domestic prices in the respective importing countries are also putting pressure on import prices. In Russia and China, prices for pork are significantly lower than in previous years.
As a transit country in the middle of Europe, Germany's meat imports remain at a remarkably high level of around 1 million tons per half-year. Even if the latest figures are somewhat lower, Germany's role will not change much.
