High squid catches

Total squid catches in the South West Atlantic reached 350 000 tonnes in 2007, the highest level since 2000. Catches off Falkland/Malvinas were 160 000 tonnes, double the 2006 result. Mainland Argentina reported 192 000 tonnes in 2007, a 70 000 tonnes reduction. The catches outside the 200-miles zone, however, were estimated to be also in the range of 350 000 tonnes, again probably double the 2006 result. An interesting issue for the estimates of this type of catch are the landings in Montevideo harbour, which were 50 000 tonnes in 2007, double the 2006 result. This boom in catch levels resulted in a free fall in squid prices, especially in the Japanese market.

Total imports into Japan in the first eight months of 2007 reached 54 000 tonnes, about 10 500 tonnes more than in the same period of 2006. Total imports for 2007 should thus reach a new record of 70 000 tonnes.

China is the main supplying country with 19 500 tonnes, 15% more than in 2006. Argentine exports more than doubled to 9 000 tonnes, Argentina thus recovered its number two position as a supplier of squid to the Japanese market.

Prices declined sharply in the Spanish market, especially after March 2007, when the bumper catch of Illex in the South West Atlantic became apparent. At present, Illex tubes sell at Euro 2.15/kg, which is Euro 1.20/kg below the price of one year ago. Surprisingly, imports into Spain were low in 2007, mainly because the Spanish fleet was able to supply the market with Illex squid directly. As a result imports from the South West Atlantic declined by 30%.

Squid imports into the USA also slowed down, mainly due to the reluctance of US importers to buy from China. Squid is not on the FDA alert list, but importers are rather conscious and shipments of squid from China declined by 18% in the first nine months of 2007.

Squid prices likely to stay low

At this time of the year, the main squid consumption period is over in all major markets, and prices are unlikely to recover strongly from their present low levels. As usual, all depends on how the 2008 squid season in the South West Atlantic starts in early March next year. For the coming four to five months, however, no major improvements in price levels for producers are forecast.

By Helga Josupeit
© FAO GLOBEFISH 2007