Octopus - February
2010
Octopus
was in good supply, which resulted in a sharp downturn of prices. Some upward
adjustments in octopus prices are likely, as catches are extremely low at the
moment.
Mauritanian
octopus production record high in 2009
Octopus was in good supply, which resulted in a sharp downturn of prices. Some
upward adjustments in octopus prices are likely, as catches are extremely low
at the moment.
Striking drop in octopus prices
Octopus supply was strong, with good catches reported from Morocco and Mauritania.
Japan took advantage of its strong currency and took substantial quantities of
octopus at heavily discounted prices. In the first nine months of 2009 imports
went up by 11%. Mauritania almost doubled its exports to the Japanese market
and is now the top supplier to this market.
In contrast, the value of Japanese octopus imports declined by 26%, which
indicates that prices went down by almost 40%. The main reason for the decline
was the hurry in which Mauritanian exporters wanted to sell, especially small
sized octopus, which is prohibited in the EU market.
Bearing in mind the higher octopus catches, Italian and Spanish octopus imports
also increased in the first nine months of the year. Italian octopus imports
reached 41 100 tonnes, 1% ahead of the corresponding 2008 figure. Morocco is by
far the main supplier of octopus to the Italian market, accounting for one
third of total supplies. Mauritania increased its octopus exports to the
Italian market in 2009.
Spanish octopus imports during this period were 33 100 tonnes, 4% more than one
year earlier. Mauritania was again the main responsible for the increase, by
doubling its exports to the Spanish market in
Higher octopus prices in coming months?
The new octopus catching season has just started in Morocco and Mauritania, but
catches are below expectations, owing to bad weather conditions. Prices are
expected to go up, despite limited demand at this time of the year.
By Helga Josupeit
© FAO GLOBEFISH 2010