In Easyfish, we reviewed the challenges throughout this year, that has been characterized by a general recovery. After 2020, marked by the global pandemic of Covid-19, we all faced this year with hope and great enthusiasm.
The first months were, in general, hard. We dragged the consequences of the confinements: restrictions, layoffs,… From the import/export point of view, at this moment the freight drama also began. After a year in which routes were eliminated and empty containers piled up in ports in the United States and the European Union, the boom in demand before the Chinese New Year –early 2021– stimulated a rise in prices that we didn’t think it would last that long.
During the first trimester, importers had to deal with high freight rates and low demand. Customers at the destination felt uncertain about whether new restrictions would be applied or not, and, for this reason, they were fearful with their purchasing decisions.
Little by little, the pandemic situation improved as the percentages of the vaccinated population increased. From that moment on, the economy began to slowly recover, and with this general trend, a big percentage of the consumption that during 2020 moved to the retail channel, gradually returned to the foodservice channel.
During summer, tourism was reactivated, although indicators were far from pre-pandemic levels. The economy began to show positive signs of improvement, something that allowed importers and distributors to dispose of their stocks and regain some of their commercial relationships. Continuing with the trend, autumn was characterized as being a suitable time for imports, since there was a need for products. Therefore, although the level of freight prices stopped many operations, there was always someone willing to buy.
In the last weeks of the year, however, the market slowed down. The different outbreaks of Covid-19 around the world, the high maritime freights, the generalized shortage of catches and other problems in the different origins –China and the electricity cuts, Vietnam and India with their confinements, the storm and the product shortages in Peru, etc.– have caused a further decline in imports.
In Easyfish we know that 2022 is full of challenges. According to the experts, freight rates will remain high until mid-part of next year. In addition, we will have to deal with a general shortage of fuels such as coal or gas, as well as the rising cost of electricity and the lack of microchips. And, similarly, there is also no certainty that we will be able to overcome the pandemic in these next few months. Undoubtedly, inflation on the prices will hit the markets and will affect the consumption of –almost– all goods.
For all of these reasons, we have no choice but to continue working and striving, and to anticipate as far as possible the obstacles that may arise. Therefore, our commitment is to continue supporting our customers and suppliers, and trying to build long-term relationships that can benefit both of us.
After a year of changes, and despite all the challenges that are about to arrive, Easyfish wishes you a happy and prosperous 2022.
Easyfish Group
BARCELONA GLOBAL SEAFOOD MARKET 2024
The Barcelona Global Seafood Marketplace 2024 was held last April. During the 23rd, 24th and 25th we enjoyed the world's largest fair in the seafood [...]
20 de May de 2024
One of the most desired dates for Easyfish is approaching. During April 23, 24 and 25 we will be present at the Barcelona Global Seafood [...]
5 de March de 2024
Chinese New Year
At Easyfish we celebrate the Chinese New Year as many of our suppliers and people we know live in much of East Asia and especially [...]
6 de February de 2024
