Irish pig prices creep up as EU trade slows
The EU average price for Grade E carcases in week 18 was 205c/kg excluding VAT, up 0.7% on the previous week.
While no official change in Irish pig prices was announced last Friday, some farmers have secured an extra 2c/kg, pushing the average up to €2.24/kg.
Unconfirmed reports suggest prices are edging closer to €2.26/kg. Demand remains strong for Irish-born and reared pigs, with factories competing for spot loads.
The EU average price for Grade E carcases in week 18 was 205c/kg excluding Vat, up 0.7% on the previous week. This marks a 3.2% rise on last month’s figure but is still 6.3% lower than the same time last year. Ireland’s percentage of the EU average stands at 103%.
Global market trends were outlined at a recent Civil Dialogue meeting, where François Cadudal, senior consultant at Girafood, noted shifting dynamics: China plans to rebuild its herd in 2025, the EU is recovering slowly, and the US is focusing on efficiency gains.
Consumer demand is muted, particularly in China and Europe, due to high prices and inflation fatigue. Pork trade is sluggish, though Chinese imports remain valuable for by-products.
However, he explained despite prices falling from recent highs, EU producers remain profitable.
Factory throughput in Irish export plants for the week ending May 11 was 55,275 pigs. The figure was down 14,303 on the previous week, but 1,684 higher than the same week in 2024.
