In 2023, the EU witnessed a record low in piglet production, swine slaughter, and inventories, leading to a surge in piglet prices due to a decrease in supply and increase in feed prices. Despite the initial drop, the breeders' willingness to retain sows because of higher prices resulted in a growth in the sow herd in countries like Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Bulgaria. This growth contributed to a rise in piglet production and slaughter numbers in the latter quarters of 2023. Looking ahead, Eurostat projects a minor rise in official slaughter in the EU by +0.11% in the first half of 2024, with Poland and Hungary showing the most significant increases. The EU's overall slaughter is anticipated to grow by 0.9% for the year, indicating a gradual recovery in the swine industry.