Atlantic Cod continues to come up short with average landed sizes of between 2 and 3 kilograms, which would favour production for 5oz, 6oz, and 7oz loins.
For Buyers preferring 3oz and 4oz loins for great centre-of-the-plate coverage, the current catch sizes create extended lead times for twice frozen production.
Atlantic Cod raw materials have hovered around $3,300 per metric tonne but suppliers are seeing offers at $3,500 already.
For the consumer, this means a 20 cent price hike could come to North America and to the E.U.
Most Atlantic Cod production is destined for the European Main Ports at $3.50 / LB for loins, comparable at $3.30 / lb in Boston.
--- Further speculation for rising prices stems from recent quota cuts announced for the Barents Sea.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas has advised a 10 percent quota reduction to 805,000 metric tonnes for 2017.
All things considered, North American buyers should look at booking orders through the Fall to secure pricing before the market shifts.
--- Also of note in the Cod market is domestic Pacific Cod inventories.
Pacific Cod inventories are all over the board right now, but one common theme is stronger pricing this year compared to last.
Sharp pricing on LTL inventories of Shatterpack fillets are available at $3.55 / lb for 8-16s, $3.80 for 16-32s and 32 ups.
Last year we saw pricing on larger fillets closer to $3.35 / lb.
The directed fishery by trawlers and pot gear is closed until September, but it's undetermined whether that 6 week fishery will lead processors to produce H&G for export to Asia and Europe, or if we will see more Fillets available in the fall.
