China's Offshore Squid Market: 2025 Year-End Analysis & Strategic Outlook

Market Price and Transaction Status

In Week 50 of 2025, the Chinese offshore squid market continued its weak adjustment phase. Influenced by sustained high production from the Southeast Pacific and domestic inventory pressures, overall prices trended downward, with widespread weak trading activity and notable declines in certain specifications.

At the Zhejiang National Offshore Fisheries Base (Zhanong Center), trading volume for Southeast Pacific squid was visibly reduced, with transactions limited to only small quantities of extra small and small whole squid. The average settlement price dropped to a year-to-date low of 13,908.87 RMB per ton . Meanwhile, prices for body products and slice products fell by approximately 2,000 RMB/ton and 1,500 RMB/ton respectively compared to the previous week.

Supply-Side Pressure Analysis

The market's weak performance was primarily driven by robust supply from key fishing

regions:

Demand-Side and Market Sentiment

On the demand side, the market faced challenges. Industry insiders noted that the market was actively in a phase of "inventory reduction" . To accelerate cash flow, traders were proactively lowering prices to offload goods. However, terminal processing plants had limited orders, resulting in insufficient demand support. This imbalance between supply and demand left the market with little short-term momentum for a rebound .

Outlook and Key Influencing Factors

Looking ahead, the market's trajectory will be influenced by several key factors:

• Inventory Reduction Progress: The pace at which domestic traders can clear their existing stockpiles will be crucial for stabilizing prices.

• Terminal Demand Recovery: Any signs of increased orders from processing plants would provide much-needed demand support.

• Fishing Quotas and Production: Continued monitoring of fishing quotas in Peru and production levels in the Southeast Pacific is essential, as any changes could significantly impact supply dynamics.

• Seasonal and Policy Factors: Seasonal consumption patterns and any new policies affecting the fishing or trading industry may also play a role in shaping the market's future.