Source: Nikkei
Wholesale prices of frozen bigeye tuna have fallen to their lowest level in three years and two months due to a supply glut caused by big hauls in the Indian Ocean.
Frozen bigeye tuna accounts for the majority of tuna products that arrive at Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market and is a mainstay seafood item at supermarkets.
In September, 1,957 tons of bigeye was brought to Tsukiji, up 12% on the year, sending the wholesale price down to 911 yen per kilogram, the lowest since July 2009, when the price was 904 yen. The September figure is also 23% lower than the recent high, marked in December 2011.
Piracy concerns prompted Taiwanese fishing vessels to temporarily suspend activity in the Indian Ocean. However, fishing boats have enhanced their security efforts since the start of the year and are now making big hauls. This has translated into a larger supply of bigeye tuna to Japan.
At supermarkets in Tokyo, frozen bigeye tuna sells for 298-398 yen per 100g. Some stores are even offering the fish for just 198 yen, down more than 20% from the price before summer.