AHDB: Downward drift continues for GB pig pricing but EU on the up
Slaughter continues to track above last year’s levels generally, and weights remain strong despite being on a downward trajectory since the start of the year. European prices continue to gain ground, closing the UK - EU reference pig price gap to 42.49p/kg, back at levels recorded in October 2025.
GB price moves
GB pig prices have continued to face sustained downward pressure through the first quarter of 2026, as supply and demand dynamics weigh on the market.
In the week ending 04 April, the GB deadweight EU-spec SPP stood at 181.25p/kg, down 1.07p on the week and down over 12p since the first week of January.
The measure now sits below the five-year average, having dipped below during the week prior.
More pigs to work through, weights back somewhat
Slaughter of clean pigs continues to track above last year’s levels, with estimated GB kill up on average by 5% (7,700 head) per week over the four weeks to the 28 March.
Estimated throughputs for the week ending 4 April dipped to 156,200 head, down 14,500 head on the week and down 6,000 year-on-year (YoY), being a bank holiday week.
Average carcase weights remain significantly up on the year, averaging 94.78kg in the week ending 04 April (+3.44kg YoY). However, this marked a half-kilo reduction compared to the week before.
Since the first week of January 2026, average clean pig weights have fallen by 0.3kg.
European picture
More positively, gains continue to be made in European pig pricing. In the week ending 29 March, the EU reference grade S pig price stood at 145.50p/kg equivalent, up 1.57p on the week.
This put the measure up over 19p/kg from the low of 126.21p/kg recorded in the week ending 01 February.
Looking at weekly trends, Spanish prices showed the strongest growth, up 3.41p/kg, while Danish prices gained 1.47p/kg equivalent. German values showed more stability, gaining half a penny on average, as the market is reportedly more balanced following Easter.
This movement closed the gap between UK and EU reference pig prices to 42.49p/kg, back at levels recorded in October 2025.
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