Issue 5/2020 May 2020 Index for prices
Latest trends The COVID-19 outbreak and the government measures introduced to reduce contagion risk are still overshadowing the European seafood market. Most importers have stopped purchasing as most countries remain in varying states of lockdown. However, there are some signs of improvement in the general situation, with restaurants reopening in several European countries. In the meantime, the industry is adapting to the shifting market conditions by offering new ranges of seafood retail products targeted at home-bound consumers. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, some countries have taken a more nationally focused approach to marketing, promoting fish sourced domestically over imports from other EU countries. Sales of canned fish were exceptionally good in April but activity has slowed since, with canned tuna producers reporting normal sales in May. Frozen tuna prices have fallen sharply over recent weeks, as plants are working at lower capacity due to COVID19, but higher productivity has been reported in Ecuador.
GROUNDFISH In the Russian Federation, observers are expecting a gradual decline in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Alaska pollock by 5 percent per year until 2025. Russian landings of Alaska pollock may be reduced by as much as 300 000 tonnes by 2025, to 1 455 000 tonnes. The quota for 2020 is 1 764 000 tonnes.
1
Groundfish
9
Flatfish
10
Tuna
11
Small Pelagics
11
Cephalopods
12
Crustaceans
13
Bivalves
15
Salmon
15
Trout
16
Freshwater fish
16
Non Traditional Species
16
Seabass-SeabreamMeagre
17
The European Fish Price Report, based on information supplied by industry correspondents, aims to provide guidance on broad price trends. Price information is indicative and should be used only for forecasting medium- and long-term trends. FAO is not responsible for any errors or omissions.