Organizer: Zhoushan National Offshore Fishery Base Construction and Development Group Co., Ltd.

China's Ocean-Going Squid Price Index in April 2025: Growth Slows Amid Market Adjustments

CHINA
Friday, May 09, 2025, 05:00 (GMT + 9)

Supply-Demand Imbalances and Regional Variations Influence Squid Prices

Overall Index Performance

In April 2025, China's ocean-going squid price index continued its upward trajectory but at a decelerated pace. The monthly index reached a record high of 287.32 points, marking a 1.51% increase from the previous month. However, this growth rate was 6.21 percentage points lower than the previous period. Weekly fluctuations were notable, with the index closing at 281.62 points in the fourth week, a 2.49% decrease from the last week of March.

Trend of China's Ocean Squid Price Index (monthly)

Regional Price Index Trends

• Southeast Pacific Ocean: The index rose to 322.47 points, a 1.27% month-on-month increase, though the growth rate slowed by 8.24 percentage points compared to the previous period. Factors such as reduced landings in Peruvian waters due to the Easter holiday and stable output from Chinese fishing vessels contributed to this trend.

• Southwest Atlantic Ocean: The index increased by 2.60% to 211.44 points. Argentina reported a total squid catch of 122,954 tons as of mid-April, with China remaining the largest importer. The abundance of squid resources in this region supported the price increase.

• Northwest Pacific Ocean: A significant rise of 4.88% brought the index to 219.68 points. Japan's announcement of a 76% reduction in squid fishing quotas for 2025 influenced market expectations and contributed to the price surge.

• Indian Ocean: The index slightly declined by 0.33% to 244.43 points. Limited influence from global production and price fluctuations in other regions kept the market relatively stable.

Changes in monthly price index of pelagic squid in various sea areas

Weekly Price Index Analysis

Throughout April 2025, the weekly price index exhibited high volatility. A significant drop occurred in the second week, followed by relative stability. By the fourth week, the index settled at 281.62 points, reflecting a 2.49% decrease from the end of March.

Trend of China’s Ocean-going Squid Price Index (weekly)

• Southeast Pacific and Indian Oceans: Both regions experienced notable fluctuations in the second week, leading to an overall downward trend.

• Northwest Pacific Ocean: The index showed an initial rise, stabilizing in the fourth week.

• Southwest Atlantic Ocean: An "up-flat-up" pattern was observed, with the index closing at 174.21 points in the fourth week, a 3.36% increase from the last week of March.

Weekly price index trend of deep-sea squid in various sea areas

Market Outlook

• Argentina's Squid Fishing Progress

The National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) in Argentina reported that as of April 15, the total squid catch reached 122,954 tons. China remains the largest importer, accounting for 67% of Argentina's squid exports in the first quarter. However, a decline in catches since May has led INIDEP to recommend suspending operations to ensure resource sustainability.

• Falkland Islands Fishing Season

The first squid fishing season in the Falkland Islands concluded earlier than planned on April 27, reducing the overall operation time by about 10%. Preliminary assessments indicate that the cumulative catch did not meet expectations, potentially driving global squid prices upward.

• Peru's Squid Quota

The Peruvian Ministry of Production set the total allowable catch of giant squid at 190,000 tons for the first half of 2025, valid until June 30. This decision aims to balance resource protection with fishery economic development, offering new recovery opportunities for the industry.

Index Trend Prediction

As ocean-going fleets return to port for replenishment, the squid spot market is expected to loosen in the short term. However, with the approach of summer and anticipated increases in terminal consumer demand, the squid price index is projected to maintain a high and volatile trend in May. Market participants should closely monitor squid production and demand changes in major consumer markets.

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