Current situation on the Swiss pig market
A crisis team with representatives from the industry carries out a weekly assessment of the situation and coordinates the measures to relieve the market.
As a result of a two-week freeze campaign, which was financially supported by the federal government as part of the regular budget for market relief measures, almost 15,000 slaughter pigs were taken off the market at short notice in December 2022.
With the export of pork up to and including week 4 / 2023, a good 15,300 slaughter pigs have been exported to other European countries. A weekly export of around 5,000 pigs is expected for the next few weeks. Due to reduced refrigerated transport offers in Europe, the planned weekly export quantities have not yet been reached. Sales in Europe are a major challenge due to the uniqueness. The exports are financed by a private law fund, which is fed by the pig farmers and the pig trade.
With these market relief measures, overcrowding in the pigsties, which is relevant to animal welfare, and an even more drastic drop in pig prices could be largely prevented. However, the crisis has not yet been averted.
After an overall assessment of the situation, the crisis management team has now decided to prepare and implement further options in the areas of sausages and meat cuts to accelerate exports.
The collection of financial contributions from retailers and producers as well as the export of pork will continue. Developments are being closely monitored and the situation is reassessed weekly.
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