Poor Catch of Squid and Soaring Prices in Japan Since June 2022

The poor catch of squid in Japan has continued since June 2022. Prices continue to remain high, with the average price at the wholesale market on December 19, 2022, at USD 11.5/kg, which is about 30% higher than the same period in 2021. The change in squid migration routes seems to be the main cause of this poor catch. In recent years, however, it has been migrating along the coast of Russia, making it difficult to catch near Japan. This situation will not change soon, and the amount of squid imported into Japan will likely continue to increase.