In the second half of January, prices for live slaughter pigs stabilized at 74.25 UAH, which is 0.1% higher than the previous week, reported the Association of Pig Breeders of Ukraine (APU) based on the results of weekly monitoring.
"Live pig prices have held steady at 74–75 UAH/kg for the second consecutive week across all regions. During trading, several operators adjusted prices by 0.5–1 UAH/kg, both upward and downward; however, the purchase prices for live pigs predominantly remained at last week's level. Price offers above or below the stated boundaries are recorded sporadically, and deviations from the mentioned range do not exceed 1 UAH/kg," analysts explained.
Experts from the association referred to information from representatives of the meat processing industry, who noted a decline in sales across all channels but expressed hope for a revival with the start of the new month.
Both producers and processors acknowledge that the supply of live pigs remains limited. At the same time, some suppliers believe that this factor is insufficient to maintain the current price levels in upcoming trades, thus anticipating a decrease of 2–3 UAH/kg, as noted in the industry association.
Meanwhile, the APU doubts that a price drop will stimulate pork sales, help sell more expensive stocks, or counteract the dumping in the pork market, which has already become apparent amid heightened competition among suppliers. Therefore, several players do not rule out further stabilization of prices.