Squid Market Year-End Report: Pre-Holiday Recovery and Future Outlook

Based on market data from December 2025, China's pelagic squid market, after experiencing a high-level retreat in the first half of the year and low-level fluctuations in the second half, showed signs of seasonal stabilization and recovery at year-end. This change was primarily driven by concentrated stockpiling demand from food processing enterprises ahead of the Spring Festival. However, the market generally views this not as a trend reversal but as a pre-holiday phased adjustment.

Key Market Dynamics

Year-End Market Review (December 2025)

Week 51: Concentrated Pre-Holiday Demand Release, Prices Stabilize

Driven by concentrated stockpiling demand from processing enterprises at year-end, the market showed signs of recovery. The average settlement price for Southeast Pacific squid at the Zhejiang Agricultural Center was 14,995.11 RMB/ton, with a trading volume of 225 tons. Specifications such as large head, mantle, and large whole squid saw increases exceeding 500 RMB/ton, while small whole squid and tail fins rose by 250-400 RMB/ton.

Week 52: Entering Year-End Observation Period, Mainly Low-Level Fluctuations

The overall market entered the year-end closing phase, with conditions maintaining low-level fluctuations. The average settlement price for Southeast Pacific squid at the Zhejiang Agricultural Center was 14,465.64 RMB/ton, with a trading volume of 190 tons. Quotations for Southwest Atlantic (offshore) squid saw a slight decline, with small and medium-sized specifications under pressure.

Performance by Major Production Areas

🌏 Southeast Pacific: Prices retreated from highs at the beginning of the year. A slight rebound occurred at year-end due to restocking demand, but the overall trend remained weak. The market is awaiting new fishing season data for 2026.

🌊 Southwest Atlantic: Prices remained relatively high in the first half of the year but entered a downward channel in the second half. The year-end index stood at 159.11, reflecting cautious market sentiment.

🇨🇳 Domestic Coastal Areas (e.g., Shidao): Procurement was primarily small-batch (5-10 tons), with transactions mainly driven by urgent orders from processing plants. The overall market atmosphere was cautious.

Future Market Outlook

Short-term (Q1 2026): Post-Spring Festival, demand is expected to weaken seasonally. Prices may face renewed downward pressure. Market focus will shift to inventory digestion and new season production forecasts.

Medium to Long-term: The market direction will depend on several key factors:

• Global catch volume trends in major fishing grounds

• Changes in import and export policies of major consumer countries

• The recovery pace of the deep-processing industry

• Fluctuations in international shipping and fuel costs

Industry analysis suggests that the squid market in 2026 may continue its "high supply, weak demand" pattern. Companies are advised to adopt flexible procurement strategies, optimize inventory management, and closely monitor policy and climatic changes in major fishing areas.