Live pig prices in several countries have shown significant fluctuations over recent years. Data from consultant Osler Desouzart provides a comprehensive analysis of price changes between January 2021 and December 2023, highlighting notable trends and regional variations.
Follow the consultant’s topical analysis of the live hog market, which continues to be a vital indicator of economic health and stability in the agricultural sector.
Tracking these trends helps not only predict future market movements, but also better understand the global dynamics that influence local and regional economies.
North America and Europe: market trends
In the United States, prices started at 1,670 USD/kg in January 2021, reaching a peak of 1,829 USD/kg in May of the same year, before a gradual decline to 1,067 USD/kg in December 2023. Similarly, Canada and Mexico showed volatility patterns, with Mexico recording the highest price of 2,398 USD/kg in May 2021.
In Europe, Spain and the United Kingdom showed comparative stability, with prices fluctuating slightly above average. Spain saw an increase from 1,746 USD/kg in January 2021 to 2,200 USD/kg in April 2023, while the United Kingdom maintained its prices at around 2,200 USD/kg over the same period.
Asia: a rising market
Asia has proven to be a dynamic market for live pig prices. China, for example, experienced an escalation from 3,740 USD/kg in January 2021 to 3,212 USD/kg in December 2023, reflecting both economic challenges and recoveries. Vietnam and South Korea also recorded significant increases, underlining growing demand in the region.
Future implications
These price trends not only directly affect local producers and consumers, but also have significant global implications for the food supply chain. Variations in prices can be attributed to factors such as trade policies, changes in consumer demand and logistical challenges.
Live pig prices in Brazil
For Brazil, the consultant also analyzed live pig prices in an evolution from January 2021 to December 2023.
Evolution of the price of live pigs in Brazil (2021-2023)
- 2021: The year started with prices at 1,206 USD/kg in January, with an upward trend until March (1,470 USD/kg). A significant drop followed in April (1,187 USD/kg) and again in May (1,074 USD/kg), before a recovery until July (1,328 USD/kg). Prices remained relatively stable with slight fluctuations until the end of the year, closing December at 1,162 USD/kg.
- 2022: The price of live pigs in Brazil in 2022 started at a low of 0.929 USD/kg in January, gradually rising over the following months. It reached 1.223 USD/kg in May and then saw a decline until June (1.042 USD/kg), before rising again in the second half of the year, reaching 1.386 USD/kg in August and ending the year at 1.272 USD/kg in December.
- 2023: In January 2023, the price started at 1,366 USD/kg, showing an upward trend until May (1,288 USD/kg), followed by a drop in June (1,106 USD/kg). Prices rose again in the second half of the year, reaching 1,428 USD/kg in December.
Going by the numbers, the live pig market in Brazil has shown notable fluctuations during the period 2021 to 2023, with periods of rise and fall that reflect a variety of economic and environmental factors affecting the industry.
These price trends are essential for producers to plan their production and sales, in addition to being indicative of economic stability in the Brazilian agricultural sector.
