The UK pig market continues to show signs of pressure, with the GB Standard Pig Price (SPP – EU spec) falling to 188,03 pence/kg in the week ending February 14. This represents a 0,77 pence decrease from the previous week and, more importantly, a 14,79 pence/kg year-on-year decline, bringing prices to their lowest levels since June 2022. According to AHDB data, the trend in recent months has shown a downward trend that deviates significantly from the five-year average, reflecting a context of abundant supply and cautious demand.
On the production front, Defra data indicates that in January 2026, UK clean pig slaughters stood at 872.000 head, essentially stable compared to the previous month but down 3% year-on-year. It should be noted, however, that January 2026 saw one fewer working day than the same month in 2025.
The latest AHDB estimates also signal a decline in slaughters to 162.700 head in the most recent week, following the peak recorded in early February. Market participants describe a surplus situation in both abattoirs and farms, with some introducing additional slaughter days to clear available supplies. Adding to the pressure is the increase in carcass weights: in the week ending February 14, the average stood at 95,28 kg, slightly down from the previous week but more than 3 kg higher than last year and above 2022 levels.
On the European side, benchmark prices continued to weaken throughout much of January, but the declines appear to have stabilized since the week ending January 25. The EU average price stood at 126,66 pence/kg equivalent in the week ending February 8, slightly up (+0,11 pence) from the previous week but still 28,58 pence lower year-on-year.
The average EU-UK price differential, which peaked at 69,56 pence in the week ending January 18, narrowed marginally to 67,73 pence in the week ending February 8, signaling a partial reconciliation. Despite the wide price gap, UK pork imports remained low in December. Total volumes, including offal, stood at 58.500 tonnes, down 8.700 tonnes (-13%) from the previous month and 5.800 tonnes (-9%) year-on-year.
At the health level, the evolution of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Spain remains highly monitored. New cases have been detected in wild boars outside the original containment zone: as of February 18, there have been 31 outbreaks, for a total of 162 positive cases in seven municipalities.
Spanish authorities have expanded the high-risk zone, tightening restrictions on the movement of people and animals and intensifying surveillance on farms. The virus has so far been detected exclusively in wild boars, while over 1.100 captured or recovered animals have tested negative. The situation remains fluid and represents a crucial point of observation for markets, particularly regarding access to export markets, which currently has no formal changes but could be affected by any epidemiological developments.
