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Analysis of China's Distant-Water Squid Price Index

CHINA
Wednesday, November 05, 2025, 06:30 (GMT + 9)

Scarcity in the Southeast Pacific Drives Slight Rise in September 2025 Despite Global Stability

Four squid fishing areas of the Chinese fleet

Source: Shuliang Technology

I. Squid Index Performance

Data from Zhejiang Zhoushan International Agricultural Products Trade Center Co., Ltd. indicates that in September 2025, the monthly price index for Chinese ocean-going squid rose slightly, closing at 276.15 points, a marginal increase of 0.49% month-on-month. Regarding the weekly price index, it fluctuated downward, closing at 270.99 points in the fourth week, a slight decrease of 0.28% compared to the last week of August.

Price Index Trend of China's Distant-Water Squid (Monthly)

II. Analysis of the Monthly Squid Price Index Trend

Breakdown by Sea Area

In September 2025, the monthly squid price index across the four major sea areas showed a pattern of "one increase, one decrease, and two unchanged":

• Southeast Pacific Ocean: Rose slightly, closing at 307.49 points (a +0.70% monthly increase). This was due to the delay of the first harvest phase in Peru because of weather and the suspension of fishing on September 8th, creating expectations of shortage.

• Southwest Atlantic: Remained stable at 206.95 points. Supply from the Falkland Islands held steady, and the total production for 2025 slightly exceeded the 48,000 tons of 2024, with no pressure for supply contraction.

  

  Monthly Price Index Changes of Deep-Sea Squid in Various Sea Areas

• Northwest Pacific Ocean: Remained stable at 213.23 points. Most vessels returned to port, which slowed supply growth significantly and eliminated the pressure of oversupply, achieving a supply-demand balance.

• Indian Ocean: Edged lower, closing at 245.40 points (a -0.40% decrease). The expectation of increased supply with the fishing season opening on October 1st led buyers to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

III. Analysis of the Weekly Squid Price Index Trend

The China Ocean Squid Weekly Price Index in September 2025 fluctuated downwards: it decreased the first week, steadily rose from the second week, and fell back in the final week, closing at 270.99 points.

Price Index Trend of China's Distant-Water Squid (Weekly)

Weekly Price Index Trends of Deep-Sea Squid in Various Sea Areas

IV. Market Outlook

Industry Information Summary

• Peru established a technical committee and is strengthening coastal surveillance (cameras, drones) to promote sustainable fishing.

• Japan is raising the total catch limit (TAC) for Pacific flying squid in 2025 by 34% to 25,800 tons, the first revision since 1998.

Index Trend Forecast

For October 2025, despite the opening of the Indian Ocean season, supply remains tight. However, rumors of proposed tariff increases in November and slowed demand from downstream companies, coupled with scarce spot transactions in the Argentine squid market, project that the deep-sea squid price index will show a pattern of "stable to weak, with a slight downward adjustment."

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