Market Pulse: Spain Pork Prices Collapse to €1.04 as ASF Crisis Deepens

Published in News

Market Pulse: Spain Pork Prices Collapse to €1.04 as ASF Crisis Deepens

Spain's Mercolleida drops another 6 cents to €1.04 while Germany holds firm. Interpol seizes 30,000 animals in global crackdown.

Profile picture of Bo Pedersen

Bo Pedersen

Chief Revenue Officer

Lead Story: Spain Update – Mercolleida Drops Another 6 Cents

The economic fallout from the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Catalonia continues to hammer the Spanish sector. In its session on Thursday (Dec 11), the Mercolleida board agreed to drop the live pig price by another €0.06/kg, bringing it down to €1.04/kg.

Key Details

  • Cumulative Crash: Since the outbreak began, Spanish prices have fallen by nearly 27 cents in two weeks.

  • Piglet Collapse: The price for 20kg piglets dropped by another €2.00, signaling a complete loss of confidence in future fattening profitability among Spanish integrators.

  • Export Blockade: The price drop reflects the massive surplus of meat trapped in Spain due to total bans from key Asian markets (Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand).

Market Context: The "German Miracle" Defies Gravity

While Spain crashes, the German reference price (VEZG) has held firm at €1.60/kg for the slaughter week of 11-17 December 2025 despite intense pressure. This marks the third consecutive week of stability, creating a "pricing island" in Central Europe.

The "Spread of the Century"

The gap between German and Spanish prices has now widened to a historic €0.56/kg.

  • Germany (VEZG): €1.60/kg (Stable)

  • Spain (Mercolleida): €1.04/kg (Crashed)

Analysis

As highlighted by MeatBorsa's market commentary, this "festive defiance of gravity" suggests German processors (Tönnies, Westfleisch, Vion) are effectively subsidizing their supply chain to ensure pigs are delivered for the final Christmas production run. While Dutch and Spanish markets have capitulated to the export crisis, Germany is betting on strong domestic holiday consumption to clear the expensive inventory. This spread is unsustainable in the medium term and a sharp correction is expected post-Christmas.

Global Security: Interpol Seizes 30,000 Animals in "Operation Thunder"

In a major reminder of the biosecurity risks facing the global meat trade, Interpol and the World Customs Organization announced the results of "Operation Thunder 2025" today. The global crackdown on wildlife crime resulted in the seizure of 30,000 live animals and identified 1,100 suspects.

Industry Relevance

  • Disease Vectors: The operation highlighted the illegal trade in bushmeat and live wild animals, which are primary vectors for transboundary diseases like ASF and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

  • Supply Chain Risk: The scale of the seizures underlines the porous nature of some international borders, posing a persistent threat to commercial livestock biosecurity.

Sources

Market Pulse: Spain Pork Prices Collapse to €1.04 as ASF Crisis Deepens | MeatBorsa