Argentina squid landings fell by half, and prices have risen recently due to insufficient inventory!
In the first month of this year, Argentina's squid production has decreased by 30% compared to the previous year. The output of fishing boats on high seas in China was average. With the relaxation of prevention and control measures for COVID-19 in Europe and the United States, consumption has increased, and the demand for Argentine squid has risen. Moreover, last year's domestic stock of Argentine squid was not significant. As a result, the price of Argentine squid in the domestic market has recently increased significantly.
Zhoushan Port's recent wholesale quotations for deep-sea fishing for Argentine squid are as follows:
| Size | Price Before CNY (RMB/Ton) |
Price After CNY (RMB/Ton) |
|---|---|---|
| 100G Down | 23000 | 20000 |
| 100-150G | 23000 | 20000 |
| 150-200G | 23000 | 20000 |
| 200-300G | 23000 | 20000 |
| 300-400G | 25500 | 22500 |
| 400-600G | 26000 | 22500 |
| 600G Up | 26500 | 22500 |
Due to the pandemic and the rise in oil prices, the cost of squid fishing on the high seas has increased sharply in the past two years. However, the fishing industry is rebounding, bringing good news to fishermen. Argentine squid caught by in-line fishing boats is now being shipped to China. Still, strict regulations on epidemic prevention and control at import ports for overseas frozen aquatic products mean it will take some time before it is available for sale.
Argentina Squid Catch Condition
With the gradual recovery of both domestic and foreign markets, it seems likely that the price of Argentina squid will increase this year. However, predicting the extent of the price increase is still challenging. All parties are closely monitoring the situation.
A few factors make it challenging to determine the output level. Firstly, fishing boats in Argentina have not been fishing for a long time. Secondly, squid fishing boats that entered Yuma Island (Falkland) in Taiwan only started fishing on February 15.
Furthermore, this year, the Argentina squid in the high seas fishing grounds was later than last. There were also fewer fish in a large area, and the fishing took a lot of work.
In addition, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China has implemented strict regulations on fishing vessels. They must stay one nautical mile outside the exclusive economic zone of other countries. As a result, some people in the fishing industry believe that reaching last year's yield level will be a good outcome for fishing boats on the high seas this year due to the restrictions on fishing in the buffer zone.
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