Starting in mid May 2009 tuna prices in all major catching areas began to rise because of fears that upcoming tuna fishing bans in these areas will squeeze global supply for the canning industry.

Sustainability major concern for the industry

Starting in mid May 2009 tuna prices in all major catching areas began to rise because of fears that upcoming tuna fishing bans in these areas will squeeze global supply for the canning industry. Canned tuna prices have been low in recent months, but are likely to follow raw material prices up-ward very soon. Sustainability is a major concern for the global tuna industry, which is trying to make its voice heard.

Prices of frozen skipjack, which came down to USD 930/tonne for tuna packers in Thailand in May 2009, have turned around again. June 2009 deals were concluded at USD 1 250/tonne, USD 1 500/tonne were paid for July deliveries CFR Bangkok. Marketers linked this sudden price rise to the poor catch situation, strong summer demand and upcoming fishing closures/restrictions. However, these high prices created buyer resistance, and prices have declined to USD 1 400-1 450/tonne at present. Canners in Latin America are short of raw materials and looking for supplies from the Western Pacific to meet their production needs. The annual fishing closure period in the Eastern Pacific (IATTC) fishing ground was extended by 10 days to 59 days this year, and prices in Ecuador are forecast to increase from the present USD 1 100/tonne to over USD 1 500/tonne.

After consistent growth for the past few years, Thai canned tuna exports suffered a setback in 2009. During the first quarter of 2009, exports declined by 11.4% in quantity and by 13.1% in value against the same period of 2008, totaling 105 900 tonnes worth Baht 11.8 billion (USD 347 million).

Nevertheless, exports to USA the main market, marginally increased in quantity by 5.1%, but declined by 4.2% in value, indicating a softening of canned tuna price against the some period last year. Significant growth in quantity were also noticed for exports to the UK (+32.4%), Argentina (+40.2%), France (51.6%), Poland (+16%), New Zealand (+77.3%) and Syria (+37.18). However, sales dropped sharply to Australia (-16%), Japan (-15.8%) Egypt (- 51.8%), Germany (-61.2%) and the UAE (-54.1%). The drop of canned tuna exports to Arab countries was very significant, and came as a surprise after years of strong growth. German traders seem to be very careful; in addition they are re-exporting less canned tuna at present than in previous years.

Report prepared by Helga Josupeit (FAO)