According to the USDA’s FAS forecast, pig slaughter in the EU will fall by 0.52 per cent — to approximately 229.3 million head. The total pig herd is expected to fall by 0.62 per cent to 129 million head. This would be the lowest figure on record and would continue the trend of structural contraction in European pig farming, according to ukragroconsult.
One of the reasons will be a fall in piglet prices in 2026 due to weaker demand from the Spanish pig farming sector. This is undermining the profitability of breeding farms and may lead to a reduction in the sow herd and, consequently, in piglet production.
The most significant reduction in piglet production is expected in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Hungary. The largest decline in slaughter volumes is forecast for Spain and Germany.
USDA analysts note that the sector continues to adapt to a prolonged period of low profitability, stricter environmental requirements and structural changes. A further reduction in the herd size could limit the supply of pork on the EU market and support product prices.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
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