Brussels expects European Union pigmeat production to decline 3.2 percent next year, leading to tight supplies.
The European Commission agriculture department bases its prediction on the assumption that the January 2013 partial stalls ban will lead to a reduction in the European Union sow herd and that higher feed costs will "further depress production".
But in its "Short Term Outlook" report, just published, it does not see this year's buoyant exports being maintained next year.
Compared to this year's 1 percent increase "compared to the already very high level registered in 2011" it sees a 15 percent decline in exports next year, as a result of Europe's decreased production.
Little change is forecast in imports, which are always marginal. They are expected to decline 0.5 percent this year and 1.9 percent next year, to settle at 14,000 tonnes a year.
Pigmeat prices are likely to stay stable throughout 2012, although at high levels, says Brussels.
Source: Pig World
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