The first half of 2014 was characterized by a dynamic market for oysters and the consolidation of markets for mussels and scallops.

During this period, international trade was impacted by two main factors: water quality issues with the possible presence of virus and the appearance of trade obstacles, such as the embargo on European exports of food products to Russia. On a positive front, the free trade agreement between Canada and Europe must be noted.

Mussels

World

During the first half of 2014, world exports of mussels increased by 9 000 tonnes or 6% overall compared with the same time period in 2013. Exports from Chile, the number one global exporter, registered a pale increase of 2%, while Spain’s exports rose much more significantly, by 30%. Denmark, another large scale European exporter, recorded a dramatic 57% increase. Sales of green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) from New Zealand expanded by 20% to place this southern hemispheric country as the world’s third largest mussels exporter, exporting a total of 19 400 tonnes, behind Chile (37 700 tonnes) and Spain (21 700 tonnes).

EU

France consolidated its position as the number one EU importer, with a 4% increase in imports to reach 29 100 tonnes to take 31% of the market share. French sources of supplies are diversified, with Spain, Chile, the Netherlands and Italy as the top suppliers in that order. Spain registered a 41% increase in sales to France, and Chile a 34% increase during the time period.  During the summer of 2014, mussel growers in France along the west coast suffered severe losses, with the bacterium Vibrio splendidens suspected as the main culprit, although poor water quality and the presence of pesticides is also blamed. The next GH issue will report if the drop in landings stimulates imports.

In Italy, the second largest market for mussels, imports increased by 5% in the first half of 2014 compared with the same time period for 2013.

In Spain, mussel production reached 231 754 tonnes at EUR 108 million ex-farm value during 2012, when the latest global data is available (Source: La Acuicultura i Espana, Apromar 2014). Galicia is the dominant production region, supplying 98% of all production. Between 2009 and 2013, a total of EUR 25.8 million was granted in aid for productive investment in aquaculture, with EUR 18.7 million of this total destined to the holders of the mussel farming facilities.

Chile

Over the first 4 months of the year, the main export companies of mussels (Mytilus chilensis ) in Chile were Blueshell and Saint Andrews Smoky Delicacies, followed by Sud Maris Chile and Sociedad Comercial Ria Austral. According to Infotrade and fis.com, the harvests of mussels accumulated through July totalled 197 380 tonnes, 9.7% less than in the same period in 2013. 100% of harvests came from region 10.

Canada

Cape Breton Bivalve Inc., based in St. Anns Harbour, Nova Scotia, will establish a new mussel processing line. The project will expand and upgrade the former 5M AquaFarms in St Anns Harbour. The company intends to export fresh mussels locally and cooked frozen products to Europe, China and Japan.

USA

According to Nielsen quoted in SeafoodSource, during the 52 weeks ending 9 August, 2014, 1.1%  of US households purchased mussels, which is steady compared with the previous year. Mussel sales peaked during the week of Christmas, averaging sales of at USD 39 per store. The second highest-selling period occurred during the week of New Year’s.

Oysters

World

World imports of oysters during the first half of 2014 reached 25 800 tonnes, which is 1 800 tonnes more than during the first half of 2013, a growth of 8%. Japan, the world’s number one importer, grew imports steadily by 2%. The USA, the second largest importer, grew imports by 3%.

The Republic of Korea is the world’s largest supplier of oysters with 6 500 tonnes sold in the period from January to June 2014, demonstrating an 8% increase compared with the same time period in 2013. Ireland, though a modest exporter in comparison, broke growth records by increasing their oyster exports by 42%, up to 2 700 tonnes. According to an aquaculture survey in 2013 published by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the oyster farming sector employed 1 100 persons, responsible for a total production of 8 700 tonnes. Ireland’s oyster economy is export oriented, with France as their top client and Hong Kong SAR now second.

EU

France occupies a unique position in Europe’s oyster business, being simultaneously both an important importing and exporting country. During the first half of 2014, the country exported 7% more compared with the same period in the year before. This strong growth is likely not to be duplicated in the coming months as the European export embargo on agriculture products are reported to have an impact on Breton oyster sales to Russia. Exports from producers such as Cadoret, Parc de St Kerber and Prat ar Coum, which use to sell flat and cupped oysters to Russia, have been interrupted.

In 2012, Spain’s production of oysters (Ostrea edulis) and (Crassostrea gigas) reached 1 756 tonnes for an ex-farm value estimated at EUR 4.4 million. This is the lowest level the country has recorded in the past 30 years, other than in 2002 quality (Source: La Acuicultura i Espana, Apromar). The factors for the decline in production include the presence of parasite Bonamia as well as the alteration of water.

USA

Due to historically low production (see GH July 2014), Louisiana is importing oysters from Gulf and East Coast states. In contrast, the oyster stocks in the Chesapeake Bay are poised for the highest harvest since 1987. Overall, oyster demand in the USA continues to grow, with oyster bars becoming a rising trend. The climbing demand, combined with the reduced local supply, has increased retail prices by 20% over last year’s season.

Scallops

World

Global imports of scallops reached an estimated 82 600 tonnes from January to June 2014, demonstrating a stabilisation compared with the same period in 2013 (+0.9%). In this global picture, several countries have shown a dramatic change, such as the USA with a 26% increase and China with 12%. During the same period for exports, China also grew their exports by 32% compared with the same period a year earlier.

France, the world’s largest importer of scallops, bought 8 900 tonnes in the first half of 2014. After 2013, this is the second lowest record in the past six years. Peru remains the largest supplier with 3 200 tonnes of Argopecten purpuratus and an improved market share from 23% in the first half of 2013 to 36% during the same time period in 2014.

British Channel

After years of disagreement on scallops (Pecten maximus) fishery management in the British Channel, which separates France from England, French and English fishermen agreed to meet to set up a regional management plan. The meeting, as part of the European four year project GAP 2 founded by the European Commission, was held in England in April 2014 and the final report was published in September 2014. The report concluded that fishers would welcome the opportunity to support scientific studies directed towards a full scallop stock assessment. In addition, the report confirmed that greater resources should be directed towards this kind of participatory scientific research and that a full capacity assessment of scallop boats operating in the Channel should be undertaken.

EU

During the first half of 2014, Italy’s imports of scallops dropped by 13% compared with the same period last year. Italian shipments to the UK dropped even more significantly (-20%) and overall were down to the low level recorded 6 years ago.

In Spain, imports of scallops during the first half of the year reflected a severe 37% decline compared with the same time period in 2013. Imports from France, Spain’s largest supplier, were especially reduced, dropping by 65%.

Clams, cockle, ark shells

World

Total imports of small bivalves (clams, cockles, ark shells) reached approximately 120 000 tonnes during the first half of 2014, demonstrating very modest growth (+1%). The Republic of Korea, the world’s number one importer with a 30% market share, imported 18% more than compared with the same period in 2013, while Japan’s imports fell by 12%.

Also during this time period, the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) reported 33 border rejections of molluscs shipments, compared with 16 the same period a year earlier. Out of the products stopped at the EU border, 28 shipments (85%) concerned clams (Meretrix spp, Ruditapes decussatus, and Venus spp.). Norovirus was the number one cause for rejection. In the same period in 2013, 15 concerned clams.

Outlook

“Molluscs such as clams, scallops and mussels are expected to witness the fastest growth over the next few years”, reported the Transparency Market Research experts, with the segment “expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.6% from 2013 to 2019, owing to their rising use in polyculture systems such as rice and fish farming worldwide” (Source: Aquaculture Market for Carp, Molluscs, Crustaceans, Salmon, Trout and Other Fishes - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 – 2019, Transparency Market Research). Trade barriers or their abolishment may have a strong impact on the international trade of these species. Indeed, duty free access of Canadian products into the European market is expected to stimulate trade of fresh and frozen mussels and scallops, while embargoes on exports of food product from Europe to Russia will most likely impact oyster trade.