New products: The fishing campaign begins!

Our previous post mentioned the fishing ban that spans three and a half months and covers China waters every year. Between May and August, the Asian country imposes an annual prohibited season for fishing as part of its efforts to promote sustainable marine fishery development and improve marine ecology.

In a few weeks this period ends and, therefore, the fishing campaigns will begin. At this time the price of some products is decided, since if the catches are good, the supply will be abundant the rest of the year. The fish is caught and kept in stock to supply during the following months; it is for this reason that August is usually a good time to import from China.

The products that will begin to be captured shortly are:

• Peeled Shrimp: Usually its fishing season begins in mid-August or early September and lasts until the end of the year. This product is an essential for retail due to its outstanding versatility: it is used as a complement to stews and paellas, topping, in cocktails, in fillings, etc.

• Loligo Chinensis: When the ban ends, their captures begin. Their season lasts only two or three months; during this time it is the moment to import it seafrozen. This chocolate colored squid is of excellent quality for its flavor and texture.

• Loligo Japonica: This Squid is caught from the end of August to December. It is one of the typical dishes of bars, terraces and beach bars that you cannot miss in your portfolio –especially if you trade in Spain–.

• Todarodes: This squid is very similar in size and quality to the well-known Illex and has a reverse campaign: it starts fishing in August and ends in January, just when the Illex season begins. Traditionally the Todarodes is cheaper, although prices fluctuate based on many variables.

There are other products that are not of Chinese origin, but are processed there and whose campaigns are now:

• Chum Salmon:Also called keta by its scientific name, it is of Alaskan origin and is caught from June to September. A good part of its catch is sent to China to be processed into fillets and portions that are then exported around the world.

• Pink Salmon: Very similar to the previous one but smaller, it has a similar campaign and functionality.

• Haddock:White fish with a mild texture and flavor, it has two seasons. The first runs from January to April, and the second one runs from June to November. Like the previous ones, it is of Alaskan origin and is mostly sent to China to be processed into fillets.

The summer months are important for importers of all these products. To make successful purchases, it is vital to closely monitor catches and price trends. Ensuring imports during the summer will allow a later supply to your customers.

If you want to learn more about fishing campaigns, follow us on EASYFISH!

Easyfish Group