High-End Bluefin Tuna Market Demand Remains Strong, Prices Return to Peak Levels

This 141-kg bluefin tuna, in fresh, headless and gutted condition, was air-shipped to Toyosu Market along with another fish from Canada. Meanwhile, a 165-kg bluefin from Boston was traded on July 17 at 19,000 yen/kg, while a 184-kg Boston fish was sold on July 18 at only 6,000 yen/kg, demonstrating the clear differences in quality and price among "jumbo" fish. A wholesaler revealed: "Since high-quality local Japanese bluefin tuna is currently in a low supply season, the market has strong demand for 'jumbo' air-shipped tuna from the North American East Coast." The term "Jumbo" specifically refers to extra-large Atlantic bluefin tuna from the North American East Coast air-shipped to Japan, signifying both their massive body size and their transportation via "giant jet aircraft." The domestic and import markets are clearly segmented Affected by reduced local longline bluefin tuna arrivals, low-end auction prices for domestically caught wild Pacific bluefin tuna over 30 kg rose 50% ...