The European pig-breeding market for slaughter remains unchanged, but most participants in the German market are disappointed by the lack of price increases.

Most EU member states receive reports of a general balanced market situation. Due to the ever increasing air temperature, the daily increase in pig fattening has decreased. In Austria, for example, slaughter weight remained below 97 kg for the first time since August 2018.

In general, demand seems to correspond to a small number of live pigs on sale, because consumer appetite has not increased. In typical southern European holiday countries, the demand is still high due to the huge number of holidaymakers. Despite the high temperature, the French are hoping for an impulse of demand due to the start of the new month.

According to recent reports, Europe's export business to China continues to be stable, remaining at the level reached last week. An additional impulse is expected in the fall.

An increase in raw ham exports has been reported from Spain. Over the past four years, growth has been 45 percent. In terms of sales, France, Germany and Portugal are the most important markets.

In Germany at the beginning of the week, slaughter pigs were in high demand, and the quantities offered remained at a manageable level. However, it remains to be seen whether there is room for price increases until the end of the current week.