Global skipjack tuna prices diverged in September, with Bangkok prices continuing to decline and Ecuador prices remaining strong

Prices in Bangkok, Thailand, fell to $1,250-$1,270/ton in late August and remained at that level in September; prices in the Philippines were similar. Sources said that catches in the western Pacific were stable last month, but this month they declined due to bad weather. It remains to be seen whether Thai canneries will further reduce prices. In the eastern Pacific, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) has enforced a fishing moratorium (veda) from July 29 to October 8. Fishing activity has slowed significantly recently, with the number of fishing fleets only about half of the peak period. Tuna prices in the Eastern Pacific region have been firm this month, with recent sales at $1,400/tonne, with some predicting further increases and others predicting stability. Higher prices in the Eastern Pacific have attracted some Western Pacific vessels to unload in Latin American countries such as Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. A European buyer ...