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The situation is developing against a backdrop of weak profitability in pig production. Although UK pig prices rose slightly in September, they remained 10–12% below year-earlier levels. At the same time, feed, fuel and borrowing costs increased.
QMS notes that pig slaughter weights also rose unusually quickly between August and September. Heavier carcases support the value of individual animals, but at the same time increase production volumes and add to the supply imbalance.
Competition from Cheaper EU Pork
Further pressure is coming from developments in European and global markets. Pig prices have fallen year on year in the United States, China and Brazil, while increased supply in the EU is intensifying competition for British pork.
In the final week of September, pig prices in the UK were 37.5% higher than in the EU. At the same time, average prices for British exports to EU countries fell noticeably, while prices in other overseas markets also weakened after a more favourable start to the year. Exports of pork variety meats declined both in volume and value.
QMS warns that the high level of sow slaughter is already creating the conditions for a sharp reduction in Scottish pork production in 2027. A sustained improvement in profitability will be needed to restore producer confidence, particularly as this is already the sector’s second major crisis in the past five years.
PigUA.info, based on materials from foodagribusiness.world