GB finished pig prices move up amid market uncertainty

By Felicity Rusk

The EU-spec SPP continued to gain ground in the week ending 4 April. The price averaged 163.89p/kg, 0.5p more than in the previous week. This is the largest week-on-week gain since last December. As such, this puts prices over 26p above the same week last year.

This price support is likely influenced by a combination of strong retail demand, and renewed hope on the export front as China continues to re-open ports and resume trading.

Interestingly, there were significant price gains in both light and heavy pigs. Pigs under 59.9kg recorded a price rise of 7.63p on the week, and those between 60-69.9kg also increased by more than a penny. Pigs weighing 105.0kg and over recorded an increase of 13.62p.  However, overall throughputs in these bands remained relatively small.

Estimated slaughter for the week totalled 176,800 head, 3% (-6,000 head) less than in the previous week. Slaughter levels have been elevated over the past few weeks, with some pigs brought forward to mitigate potential disruption down the line. The recent decline may suggest that, following from this, supplies of finished pigs have now tightened somewhat.

Carcase weights continued to fall, averaging 85.00kg, 170g less than in the previous week. This puts weights only 20g above the same week last year.

In the week ended 28 March, the EU-spec APP recorded a marginal increase. Nevertheless, this was a larger rise than recorded in the SPP in the same week. As such, the difference between the two prices widened, to 2.43p. This is the largest difference between the two since August last year.

In contrast, in week ended 4 April, weaner prices recorded a decline on the week. 7kg weaners fell by 73p to average £41.95/head, while 30kg weaners recorded a more sizable drop of £4.13 to £57.59/head.

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.