December 2021 12/2021
Latest trends Prices of the majority of wild-caught species have risen, reflecting strong demand and high fuel prices. Prices of some species, such as cephalopods, are increasingly out of reach for the average customer. Groundfish is in short supply, especially cod and hake. Alaska pollack availability is being affected by problems between the Russian Federation and China, leading to lower fillets arrivals for the European market, and widespread price hikes.
Aquaculture products are generally following the same upward trend of wild-sourced products but are increasing at a slower rate. The outlook for the coming months is for a decrease in demand, as the most recent wave of COVID-19 cases may lead to a return to lockdown and restaurant closures, which had been the driving force of a strong demand recovery this year.
GROUNDFISH In 2021, Alaska pollack exports from Russian Federation to China are estimated at 260 000 tonnes, compared with 971 000 tonnes in 2020. This is primarily the result of stricter import controls by Chinese authorities. However, the decline in overall Alaska pollack exports was significantly less, as a large proportion are shipped through the Republic of Korea instead. This crisis is considered a possible opportunity for the Far Eastern Russian industry to develop the Alaska pollack processing industry, and move into value addition rather than exporting only the raw material. At the same time, active demand for Alaska pollack is also evident in Russian domestic market.
1
Index for prices
Groundfish
8
Flatfish
10
Tuna
11
Small Pelagics
11
Cephalopods
12
Crustaceans
14
Bivalves
15
Salmon
16
Trout
17
Freshwater fish
17
Non Traditional Species
17
Seabass-SeabreamMeagre
18
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.