Because of change in the migration route of saury, landings up to mid-September were only 20 percent of the previous year’s, leading to wholesale prices at Tokyo’s Tsukiji market to double or triple year-on-year.
Retail stores have not been able to offer saury at the bargain price of about JPY 100 (USD 1.02, EUR 0.75), as they have in recent years. Instead, supermarket prices of JPY 198 (USD 2, EUR 1.49) were seen in August and early September. Large fish were offered as high as JPY 250 (USD 2.55, EUR 1.89) to JPY 350 (USD 3.57, EUR 2.64) in
Juvenile saury migrate to the North Pacific in spring and run back down along the coast of
This year, summer was hot in
The fishing
According to the Tohoku National Fisheries Research Institute of the Fisheries Research Agency, since 2010, saury traditionally frequenting Japanese waters have moved toward the east of the
Pacific saury catches fluctuate widely by year, depending on the weather and other factors. In fiscal 2009, catches were abundant, reaching around 300,000 metric tons (MT). In fiscal 2010 — which this year is shaping up to resemble — only about 200,000 MT were caught, as unseasonably warm ocean waters kept the fish well offshore in deep water, and to the north of Hokkaido. The following year the fishery was struck by tsunami with massive losses of vessels and frozen saury stocks, but with good catches once the season began. Last year was fairly normal, with an ample catch and typical migration route.
Saury, or “sanma,” is commonly broiled whole, and served garnished with grated daikon radish. To add insult to injury, daikon radish was also expensive this year. Rainy weather prevented insecticide application in
The higher price for saury had led to price rises in similar blue-skinned fish used for grilling. The average price of fresh domestic sardines at Tsukiji peaked at JPY 1,155 (USD 11.78, EUR 8.71) per kilogram on 3 September.
On 14 September, a dealer at the Tsukiji market commented, “Saury have become cheaper finally, and toward the end of the month it is increasing in size.”
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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