Fillets’ raw materials: scarce and with rising prices

On the first week of November, a new Covid outbreak affected Dalian, the largest fish import hub in China. The situation of the city, which is essential both for the domestic market and for exportation, is affecting the availability of raw materials for fish Fillets; especially cod, haddock, and salmon –among others.

The entire Dalian area remains under lockdown and it is unclear when they would be able to function again.

Easyfish Group

The Chinese authorities have suspended the activity of all companies to contain the coronavirus outbreak, and both producers and refrigerators are closed. The entire Dalian area remains under lockdown and it is unclear when they would be able to function again. Therefore, this is directly affecting companies that have containers arriving at the city, since it is not possible to access the refrigerators. These delays will be noticeable in the long term, contributing to product shortages at the end of the year.

With the main filleting area completely confined, the prices of raw materials are increasing:

• Atlantic Cod: Prices remain high, around USD 4200/mt, low availability.
• Pacific Cod: Hardly any availability, prices remain high, around USD 4000/mt (no offers available).
• Haddock: With stable prices, over USD 3,000/mt.
• Halibut: Not available.
• Greenland Halibut: Available in Japan, low availability in China.
• Alaska Pollock: With stable prices, around USD 1,650/mt, but since it is difficult to get raw materials into China, some factories have received fish at USD 1,750/mt.
• Chum Salmon: The price has risen to USD 5,200/mt, very low availability.
• Pink Salmon: Not available in China.
  

*(Source: Tradex Foods)

In addition, other raw materials such as Atlantic Redfish, Yellowfin Sole, or Arrowtooth Flounder are also in the same situation; meaning, with the price on the rise and with high scarcity. Actually, with the activity completely stopped in Dalin, many of the production plants are not even offering shipments after the Chinese New Year since they do not know when they will be able to resume their activity.