Irish pig prices edge lower as EU market pressure continues, even as domestic throughput remains strong and demand outpaces supply.

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Irish pig prices have continued to soften, reflecting pressure across key European markets. For the week ending 4 October, the average reported price for Grade E pigs slipped to €1.89/kg (excluding VAT), with producer quotes ranging between €1.94 and €1.98/kg, depending on specification and supply agreements.

The current level is about 12% below the same week in 2024, when prices averaged €2.15/kg. Across the European Union, the average Grade E carcass price remained steady at €1.87/kg, around €0.16/kg lower year-on-year. The price trend continues downward in major producing nations — Spain down 4c/kg and France down 1c/kg — amid weaker consumer demand and sustained supply availability.

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Throughput and Supply Trends

Despite lower prices, throughput remains resilient. A total of 66,273 pigs were slaughtered during the week ending 4 October, including 1,736 sows and 25 boars.

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Year-to-date throughput now totals 2.6 million head, an increase of 86,000 head, or 3.5%, compared with the same period last year. Processors report that demand continues to exceed supply, keeping slaughter levels elevated even as export margins tighten.

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Market Outlook

Industry analysts expect pig prices to remain under pressure in the short term, with EU markets continuing to absorb higher slaughter numbers and sluggish consumer spending. However, any decline in feed costs or easing energy prices could support farm-level margins heading into late Q4 2025.

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Longer term, tightening supply forecasts in several key European countries — coupled with ongoing disease management challenges in Asia — may help stabilise the market into early 2026. Export demand from non-EU destinations will also remain a key determinant of price recovery.

Source: Bord Bia, This article is a condensed and independently written summary of original reporting by Bord Bia, adapted for Dalytrading.co.uk

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