Market Overview - All Species

We are currently experiencing a shortage of pelagic species due to poor fishing conditions in many areas and logistical challenges. Our focus is on securing suitable stocks to ship to our clients in West Africa. Here’s a detailed overview of the different species:

Herring

Atlantic Herring: Prices from Norway are high this year, exceeding $1300 CFR for 200/300+ sizes. Ireland will begin its season in October with smaller sizes. We have some smaller fish from Norway available at around $1000 CFR. The Russian fleet will start fishing in late September.

Pacific Herring: The next season will be in winter. Currently, there are no stocks available.

Sardine

As a substitute for herring, fishing in Mauritania has been slow, with almost all catches being smaller sizes (Eba) than usual. We are shipping high-quality sardines from our Mauritania office, packaged with straps. Please contact us for current pricing.

Blue Whiting

The season is over in all fishing grounds, and there are no stocks in Ireland, the Faroe Islands, or Iceland. We have some stocks available at around $700 CFR. The next short season will start in November in the Faroe Islands, with a new season expected at the beginning of 2025.

Atlantic Mackerel

Fishing has been very slow this year, leading to high prices even for second-grade quality. Prices are around $1800 CFR, and we are avoiding purchasing this quality. We are waiting for improvements in quality and a potential decrease in prices.

Japonicus / Colias Mk

Namibia: The winter catch of Mk has stable fat content at 15%, but catches are low. We are offering top-quality sea-frozen Mk and land-frozen Mk 25cm+. FAS Brama 500g+ is also available. FAS HM landings are mainly 16m, 16+, and 18+, with increased demand in the SADC regions leading to higher prices. Please call to inquire.

Ecuador and Mexico: Low quantities this year, with prices around $1250 CFR for 300-500 sizes.

Japan: No fish with the desired fat content is available this year, and prices are not favorable.

Korea: Quality is low due to hot weather and excessive feed. Prices are reasonable for Africa, but we are avoiding these stocks due to quality concerns.

China: We are purchasing as many winter fish as possible, primarily M sizes, at around $1200-$1250 CFR for winter fish only.

Jack Mackerel - South America

We are shipping large quantities from Peru, mainly sizes 500-900/900+, in 2x10kg packs. Prices are around $1400 CFR. The season is nearly over until next year.

White Fish

We are shipping hake from South America due to poor production in the USA. Please call for pricing. For Apo, we have some 300+ sizes, averaging 450g, at around $1040 CFR for Africa. This is a good price.

Mauritania

Activity in NDB is quiet. Currently, there is only OBE from artisanal boats and some small-sized EBA. However, production from Turkish vessels is expected to begin soon, with several vessels arriving in the coming weeks. August is typically a slow month for pelagic species, and the quality of products tends to be lower due to high sea temperatures.

Mauritania Seafood Company

They have Horse Mackerel XS, white, and black.

Faro Fish

OBE: 2 FCL at $780 FOB.

Tilapia

Smaller sizes (200-300/300-500) are readily available, with negotiable prices based on grading. For 800+ sizes, raw material availability remains a challenge, keeping prices on the higher side. Red Pacu availability is improving, and prices are stable.

Morocco

We have begun moving mackerel from the mid-July production, with fat content showing promising levels. Given the sensitivity of mackerel, we conduct thorough inspections to ensure quality standards are met. Current prices range from $1320 to $1370 to major ports. We are now booking new arrivals of mackerel, horse mackerel, and other species, with new offers expected soon.

Oman

Production has resumed in Omani factories, focusing on cuttlefish and ribbonfish during their peak season. There is also some production of catfish, but landings of horse mackerel and yellowtail scad remain very low. As a result, horse mackerel is priced above $1550 for West African markets due to high raw material and sea freight costs. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates.

Yemen

Chub mackerel is currently the most landed species, along with catfish and some yellowtail scad, particularly in sizes 4/6 and smaller. As Oman is still in the early stages of catching these species, we have started offering yellowtail scad and limited quantities of horse mackerel, though the volume remains low.

Yellow Croaker

The season in Argentina is showing good volumes despite recent bad weather. Reference CFR prices for West African markets are $1950/MT for S size, $2000/MT for M size, and $1900/MT for L size. Uruguayan croaker is similar to Argentina’s but is less competitive (about $70-$100 higher) due to labor laws and industry issues. The Mexican croaker season is about to start, with prices approximately $200/MT lower than South American offers.

In summary, Yellow Croaker remains a highly rated species in West Africa and is performing well in the markets. Thanks to our branches and market research, we are supplying good volumes from the various origins detailed above.