Irish pig prices are running 16% behind the same period last year, as increased supply and weaker international demand continue to put pressure on the sector.

Bord Bia pigmeat and poultry sector manager Shauna Jager told the Irish Farmers Journalthat the latest pig price, for the week ending 30 August, stood at €1.67/kg.

She said throughput has remained strong, with more than 2.19m pigs processed by week 33, almost 80,000 head ahead of the same period in 2025.

Jager said the weaker price reflects a combination of increased supply and more challenging international market conditions. She pointed to greater pork availability within Europe, including additional Spanish product following African swine fever-related disruptions, as well as weaker demand from China.

Chinese pork imports were down 20% year-on-year in the first two months of 2026, reducing opportunities for European exporters.

However, Jagar said Irish pig prices have continued to maintain a premium over the EU average and have stabilised at around €1.66/kg to €1.67/kg in recent weeks.

At farm level, former IFA pigs committee chair Thomas Hogan said prices are generally ranging from around €1.68/kg to €1.73/kg, with heavier pigs receiving a couple of cents less.

He said around €1.70/kg is close to break-even for many producers, although this can vary between farms.

“This year, the bank balance is going nowhere,” he said.

Stuck in limbo

Pig farmer Hannah Ryan said margins are extremely tight, with pig prices around €1.70/kg and feed costs at approximately €1.26/kg before labour, veterinary and electricity costs are taken into account.

She said the uncertainty is also delaying investment on farms, with producers reluctant to commit to building upgrades or renovation work, while margins remain under pressure.

“You’re kind of stuck in limbo,” she said.

Ryan added that young farmers in particular who are seeking finance for major investment may find it difficult in the current climate.

She said the uncertainty could also have longer-term consequences for the sector, particularly on farms where major investment is needed or where there is no clear successor. If current conditions continue, she said some older producers may begin to consider leaving pig production altogether.

IFA pigs committee vice-chair Paul Tully said farmers are already having to fund losses, as pig and feed prices move in opposite directions.

“With pig price and feed price moving in opposite directions, we find ourselves in a negative cashflow situation,” he said.

He said energy, transport, labour, environment, new regulations, animal health and vaccination costs have also risen, adding further pressure to farm margins.

Tully said the volatility in the sector is also making it increasingly difficult for farmers to invest in buildings and infrastructure, as any profits made have to be retained to protect the business against cyclical volatility.