Swordfish Prices in Ecuador Increase YoY

Swordfish, which is highly migratory and has a mid year seasonality in Ecuador (FAO 87), has increased landings throughout the northern Ecuadorean ports. Swordfish are captured by artisanal boats via surface longlines. A packing plant in Manta revealed that 40,000lbs (about 18,182kg) of swordfish was disembarked and processed at its facility over the last week (week 25). The packing plant also revealed it paid USD 4.00/pound for high quality swordfish. This was a sharp increase by USD 1.25 /pound YoY. The price increases are due to production cost increases such as fuel prices. Swordfish is currently offered only in frozen-treated full loins, rooms, and centers of 3-5 pound, 5-8 pound, and 8-12 pounds in master boxes weighing 30 pounds.