Global Squid Market Faces Sharp Decline Due To Supply Surge

Peruvian Catches reaches record high, Drive Index to New Annual Low

   According to the latest data released by Zhejiang Zhoushan International Agricultural Products Trading Center Co., Ltd., the China ocean squid price index closed at 234.21 points in December 2025, a significant decrease of 23.77% from the peak of 289.89 points in April.

   The most volatile segment was the Southeast Pacific, particularly the Dosidicus gigas squid segment. The index for this segment plummeted to 255.82 points, a staggering 32.64% drop from its high of 339.33 points on March 28th.

   The price collapse is mainly attributed to an unprecedented supply surplus: by late November 2025, actual catches in Peruvian fishing grounds reached 620,000 tons. This figure exceeded the annual allowable catch (TAC) of 609,935 tons set by regional regulatory bodies. Improved fishing efficiency and high inventory levels at downstream processing plants created a significant supply-demand mismatch.

Atlantic Stability Threatened by Quality Issues

   In the Southwest Atlantic, the price index for Illex argentinus squid also showed a similar downward trend, albeit at a slower pace. The index closed at 160.45 points, a decrease of 8.35% from its peak of 173.85 points on May 23rd.

   Market analysts point out that while processing plants prioritize high-quality catches within designated fishing areas, the large volume of lower-quality, egg-laden squid outside these areas is dragging down the regional average.