Poland's pork market under pressure as prices plunge and authorities probe possible collusion

Minister Stefan Krajewski sent a letter to the Polish Competition and Consumer Protection Office (UOKiK) raising concerns that sharply falling pig‑purchase prices could indicate unfair trading practices or price‑ fixing in the domestic pork market. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRiRW) highlighted that low prices occur alongside high feed, energy and veterinary costs, and the ongoing African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, which has disrupted supply chains and increased import pressures.

The meat industry rejects the collusion hypothesis, arguing that the price drop mirrors broader EU market dynamics such as reduced export demand to Asian markets, higher competition, and abundant pork supplies. It calls for a comprehensive analysis of the entire value chain and suggests a transparent pork exchange to improve price setting. Parallel commentary notes that the government is also proposing ZUS subsidies for artists, underscoring the broader financial strain on sectors facing falling incomes, while Polish farmers confront purchase prices as low as 4 zł per kilogram of pork and a 20 % decline in milk prices, threatening farm viability.

The situation has prompted calls for closer market monitoring and potential regulatory action to ensure fair competition and support for affected producers.