Peruvian Squid Prices Continued To Fall, While Large Argentine Squid Prices Rose Again

In the 25th week of 2026, the domestic deep-sea squid market saw significant price divergences. From June 12th to 18th, prices for squid from the Southeast Pacific continued to decline, while prices for large-sized Argentine squid continued to rise. Prices for squid from the Northwest Pacific and the Indian Ocean remained relatively stable. Supply rhythms from different production areas, import arrivals, and resource expectations are creating several distinct price lines in the domestic squid market.

Southeast Pacific squid remained the category with the most significant price adjustments this week. In the Zhoushan market of Zhejiang, online transactions totaled approximately 1,664 tons in the 25th week, with slightly increased trading activity compared to the previous period, but the volume was insufficient to support prices. Prices for large-headed squid, some whole squid, and sliced ​​squid all declined, with smaller whole squid (500-1000 grams) experiencing the largest drop, and medium-sized whole squid (1000-2000 grams) also continuing to fall. On June 18th, the prices of Peruvian equatorial squid in Weihai market, priced at 300-500g, 500-1000g, and 1000-2000g respectively, saw a slight overall decline.

The decline in squid prices in the Southeast Pacific is related to high Peruvian production and concentrated imports. Peru's Ministry of Production previously raised the maximum allowable catch for giant squid in 2026 to 539,230 tons based on the IMARPE resource assessment. As of June 18, Peru's cumulative unloading of giant squid reached 466,964.36 tons, completing 86.60% of the annual quota. With the quota nearing completion and no significant tightening in short-term supply, the increased domestic arrivals have put downward pressure on prices for some sizes.

Uncertainty remains in the Peruvian market. Local catches remain high, increasing pressure on nearshore fishing. The future resource status and production changes in the second half of the year still need to be monitored. A proposal involving the registration of approximately 2,000 fishing vessels has also emerged. Given the already high prices in the consumer market, continued expansion of fishing capacity could exacerbate resource pressure. Recent strong performance in high seas fishing will also influence domestic traders' assessments of future supply.

Argentine squid, however, followed a different price trend. In week 25, off-line supply of squid from the Southwest Atlantic continued to strengthen, with larger sizes seeing more significant increases; squid over 200 grams generally saw price hikes. On June 18th, the price of Argentine squid in the Weihai market also rose slightly, with small increases in sizes of 150-200 grams, 200-300 grams, 300-400 grams, and 400-600 grams.

The price increase of Argentine squid is mainly due to seasonal supply contraction. The Southwest Atlantic squid fishing season has ended, and new supplies are limited. Once the inventory of larger sizes is depleted, it will more easily support prices. The market is also paying close attention to changes in Argentine resources and policies. Buenos Aires Province had proposed a bill to add 18 squid fishing vessels, but the Federal Fisheries Committee believes there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support a significant increase in fishing capacity. This issue will not affect this season's supply, but it will influence market expectations for future Argentine squid resource management and capacity expansion.

Northwest Pacific squid prices remained stable this week. There were no significant price fluctuations in this category, with the market relying primarily on existing inventory and stable orders to maintain circulation.

Indian Ocean squid prices also remained largely unchanged. In week 25, prices for all sizes of Indian Ocean squid were the same as the previous week. Prices for this category are relatively low, primarily catering to mass processing and distribution needs, and have not shown significant short-term fluctuations.

Import data also reflects changes in the pace of domestic arrivals. In week 25, the volume of deep-sea caught squid entering through Zhoushan port decreased compared to the previous week. The slower pace of imports helps to digest some inventory, but the impact varies across different categories. Southeast Pacific squid prices are still suppressed by earlier arrivals and production factors, while Argentine squid continues to receive support due to the end of the fishing season and reduced supply of large-sized squid.

The most significant change in the squid market this week was the distinct price divergence between Peruvian and Argentine squid. Peruvian giant squid quota fulfillment is already high, but short-term arrival and inventory pressures remain, leaving room for further price declines in some sizes. Argentine squid supply has decreased, and prices for large-sized squid continue to rise. Prices for squid in the Northwest Pacific and Indian Oceans are currently stable. Future transactions will depend on factors such as Peruvian quota progress, domestic import volumes, Argentine resource policies, and the digestion of large-sized squid inventories.