US pig population 77.7 million - the highest number of pigs in over 30 years. On the occasion of the quarterly inventory of US pig herds on 1 Sep.2019, 77.7 million pigs were counted. This is the largest number since 1988 . Compared to the same date last year, the stock increased by 3% . The number of sows rose by 2% to 6.43 million , also at record levels. Based on the structural structure of the weight classes, increasing numbers of slaughter rates of around 5 to 6% are expected in the coming weeks and months. This is to be expected from a further increase in meat supply. Reinforcement comes in addition by the rising slaughter weights , which are currently at the equivalent of 96 kg. This is unusually high for American conditions. The strong inventory increase is due to the high expectations of possible pork exports to China.Support came from falling feed costs and a hitherto brisk sales in the domestic business in the barbecue season. After a summer high price period up to € 1.60 / kg, the prices have recently fallen below the mark of € 0.90 / kg . Expectations for the China business have not yet been fulfilled, and fresh meat exports to Mexico as the most important customer have fallen by 15%. Forward rates for the coming months are trading around € 1.30 / kg . The hopes are for a normalization of Mexico's exports and increased sales of China . The Chinese have eased the punitive tariffs . At a low cost price one expects a high competitiveness against the competitors also in other Asian import countries. This will not make the export sales easier for the EU . Reduced export earnings ultimately also affect pig pricesin this country.
