Issue 2/2018 February 2018
Latest trends During January, all fish trade was directed towards China to meet strong demand in the lead up to the Chinese New Year. This caused prices to increase to levels that European traders were unwilling to pay. In mid-February, however, the focus is slowly shifting back towards to the core European markets for the Lent season, which started on 14 February. This is still one of the most important periods of fish consumption in Catholic countries and demand should pick up as a result, especially for traditional fish species such as cod and herring.
Index for prices
Groundfish
7
Flatfish
8
Tuna
10
Small Pelagics
10
Cephalopods
11
Crustaceans
15
GROUNDFISH
Bivalves
18
In the market for wet-salted cod fillets from frozen raw material (Gadus macrocephalus), there is still pressure on the raw material side. Prices are increasing, as substitute products are not easy to find. For wet-salted cod fillets (Gadus morhua) from fresh raw material of Faroese and Icelandic origin, there is also very little supply available. In Iceland, reduced stocks are selling at high prices.
Salmon
19
Trout
20
Freshwater fish
21
Non Traditional Species
22
Seabass-SeabreamMeagre
23
Meanwhile, in Poland, demand for cod is very limited at present, translating into lower price levels. Demand is expected to increase over the coming months. COD - in Poland (FOB, origin: Baltic Sea) USD/kg 2.4 2.2 1.9 1.7 1.4 1.2 0.9
Fresh gutted
1
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.