Tilapia prices in China are rising

Wholesale prices for tilapia weighing 500-800 grams increased by 0.60 yuan per kilogram in Guangxi to 10.80 yuan/kg (US$1.49/kg) in week 29, and by 0.60 yuan/kg in Guangdong to 11.20 yuan/kg in the 30th week. In contrast, prices in Hainan Province remained stable at $10.60 per kg. The increase in mid-to-late July came as some farmers began catching smaller fish to capitalize on high prices, tightening supplies ahead of the next big harvest. High stock levels this year mean larger volumes are imminent, with harvest expected in mid-August. "The market is again facing a fish shortage," said Liu Zhili, CEO of Hainan Gengift Aqua-Technology, China's second-largest supplier of tilapia fingerlings. A June drop in prices from export processors led to farmers harvesting more fish prematurely, he said. Tilapia prices have risen across China over the past 12 months due to low stock levels in ...