Across most of continental Europe, pig prices have come under pressure since the beginning of September as supply outstrips demand and the average European Union (EU) price is back to levels last recorded in June.
- In the Netherlands and Germany, prices have fallen 6% in six weeks.
- The Spanish pig reference price has dropped by as much as 14%.
However, the average EU price is still 22% higher than at this time last year and it is expected to remain around the €163 per 100 kg mark in the final quarter of 2008.
The normal seasonal dip in prices is forecast for most member states during the first quarter of 2009.