According to market data, between January and March 2026 the Netherlands exported 1.26 million piglets, compared to 1.58 million in the same period last year. Spain continues to be the largest importer, with 560.6 thousand head, although this is 30% lower than a year earlier. The decline is partly attributed to the ASF outbreak reported in Spain in late 2025, which has affected trade flows and domestic demand.
Germany ranks second among export destinations with 531.3 thousand piglets, down 9.8% compared to the first quarter of 2025. Belgium remains in third place with stable volumes (over 99 thousand head).
At the same time, some markets show mixed dynamics. Italy more than doubled its imports of Dutch piglets (to 18.5 thousand head), while Austria, Luxembourg and Romania reduced their purchases by 7.7%, 8.5% and 69%, respectively.
Overall, the first-quarter results indicate a noticeable contraction in the Netherlands’ piglet export segment, driven by both epizootic factors and shifting demand in key markets.
PigUA.info, based on pig333.com