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EU pork prices drop almost 10 % 22 Jan 2010

Last year was a tough year for pork in the EU, as prices were 4 to 11% lower, according to the German pig organisation ISN.
EU pork prices drop almost 10 %
 
For the top pork producing EU countries, Spain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France and Denmark, the drop in prices equals €0.06 to €0.16/kg slaughter weight. In total, these countries raise 68% of all pigs in Europe in 2009.
 
The figures are based upon price data, collected by ISN throughout the year from thirteen EU member states. The prices are corrected to a price for 1 kg slaughter weight per standard pig.
 
The highest price in 2009 fell in summer and at that time, the average price was €1.36/kg slaughter weight – a 10% difference compared to the maximum in 2008 at €1.47. Lower feed costs may have put less strain on pig producers, but these did not compensate for lower prices paid for pigs, the ISN writes on its website.
 
Spain showed the least price change, with only a 4% reduction. Poland had the biggest price drop at 11%.
 
In 2009, in price per kilo slaughter weight, Spain came at number 1, with Germany and Poland at the number 2 and 3 slots, see the following Table 1.
 
Germany has remained the leading pig price index in Europe. Just like in previous years, the Dutch pig price index referred to the German prices, being two cents lower than in Germany. This way the Netherlands can control their own market and prevent too many Dutch exports to Germany.
 
France and Denmark ended up in the last regions of these six countries. In Denmark, prices were about €0.08 lower than in Germany and even almost €0.17 lower than in Spain. Prices paid per pig are therefore almost €16 less than in Spain. This difference between the lowest and the highest country thus grew in 2009.
 
This year, Germany is expected to have a self-sufficiency rate of 110% and thus focus on exports in 2010. In the whole of Europe, 2010 will see more pig. Exports to Russia are expected to be lower in January in comparison to previous months, but as from February a rise is expected, as increased consumption cannot keep up with own production.
 
Table 1. EU pig price comparison, 2009, for the six most important pig countries in the EU.
  
                           2008             2009          in €            in %               
 
1. Spain               1.52              1.46           -0,06          -4%                
 
2. Germany         1.51              1.37           -0,14          -10%
 
3. Poland             1.53              1.37           -0,16          -11%              
 
4. Netherlands     1.48              1.35           -0,17          -9%                
 
5. France             1.44              1.32           -0,12          -8%                 
 
6. Denmark         1.37              1.29           -0,08          -5%                
 
Source: ISN
 
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