Stronger pig supplies at both EU and global level, and weaker demand on key export markets have combined to hit prices, Bord Bia maintained.

“Irish pig throughput is currently running approximately 4% ahead of already elevated 2025 levels, increasing the volume of product available to the market and placing downward pressure on prices,” a spokesperson for Bord Bia stated.

“International market conditions have become significantly more challenging. Across Europe, pig prices have come under pressure as supply has increased, with an expansion in the EU sow herd (+0.6%) and productivity gains contributing to a more saturated market,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, Bord Bia pointed out that demand from China has weakened as the country has become increasingly self-sufficient in pork production.

European exporters have also faced disruption arising from African swine fever (ASF) related restrictions, including the ASF situation in Spain.

“This has limited access to some export markets and increased the volume of product competing within Europe,” the Bord Bia spokesperson explained.

The European pig sector’s difficulties have been accentuated by a combination of production growth and export expansion by the likes of Brazil.

Bord Bia pointed out that Brazilian exports to the Philippines were up 84% year-on-year and exports to Japan were up 46% year-on-year in 2025.