The start of 2026 proved challenging for the German pig market. Farmers had expected some price pressure due to the reduced number of slaughter days around the turn of the year, which traditionally leads to a build-up of animals. However, the sharpness and rapid pace of the price fall in early January caught many off guard.
In the first days of the month, it became clear that the market was struggling to absorb the after-effects of the holiday period. Slaughter-ready pigs accumulated while slaughter and processing plants only gradually returned to normal operating capacity. The pace of reducing excess supply was slow and varied by region.
No additional support came from the meat market, which remained well supplied. After reaching the level of €1.45/kg, quotations stabilised at this mark for the rest of the month. While this brought some calm, the overall mood in the sector remained cautious. Meat demand throughout January was weak — the market traditionally slows after the holiday season. Even retail promotions failed to generate significant momentum. Only toward the end of the month did signs emerge of a gradual reduction in live pig supply and a decline in average slaughter weights.
Piglets: stabilisation without growth
The piglet market showed signs of stabilisation during January. Following earlier price reductions, the balance between supply and demand improved. Although marketing spot batches remained challenging in some cases, traders generally reported more balanced conditions. Weather-related factors supported demand at times to avoid empty barns. However, the market did not develop an upward trend.
Sows: high pressure and growing concern
The situation in the sow segment was more strained. Supply remained ample, while demand for sow meat was limited. Competition intensified due to both large volumes of cuts from slaughter pigs and low-priced offers from other EU countries. Additional pressure came from ASF-related export restrictions in Spain, which redirected part of Spanish production to the EU internal market. Against this backdrop, the VEZG quotation for sows declined to around €0.68/kg. Announcements of lower purchase prices by major processors, including Tönnies and Westfleisch, added to uncertainty. Many farms are increasingly concerned about the worsening economics of production.
Policy and structural factors
January was also shaped by political and structural issues. The German government announced the early termination of the federal programme for restructuring livestock housing due to insufficient uptake. At the same time, submitted applications highlighted substantial investment pressure, particularly in sow production. According to industry estimates, billions of euros are required to meet new standards in insemination centres and farrowing facilities. Without reliable financial support, many farms are unwilling or unable to invest, fuelling fears of a new wave of exits from piglet production.
A positive signal for the sector was the confirmation of Germany’s status as free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination by the World Organisation for Animal Health. This strengthens Germany’s position in international trade and underlines the effectiveness of its disease control system.
European context
At the European level, quotations were broadly stable, but competition remains intense. The impact of ASF in Spain is also felt here: export restrictions are redirecting significant volumes of Spanish pork onto the EU market, increasing supply and price pressure. As a result, the German market has not received the expected relief from abroad.
The coming weeks will show whether stabilisation can develop into a sustainable recovery. Key factors will include a continued reduction in supply, seasonal improvement in demand, and clear political signals that provide planning certainty for farmers. January 2026 demonstrated how sensitive the German pig market currently is. For many producers, the start of the year was a serious test.
PigUA.info based on pig333.com