Demand for tilapia continues at a steady pace worldwide. Both major traditional markets and non-traditional markets imported larger quantities in the first half of 2011. Prices strengthened with a rising demand, higher production and processing costs.

China

Tilapia exports from China during the first half of 2011 grew by 2.1% from the same period last year reaching close to 140 000 tonnes of which 45% were frozen filets.

Prices have strengthened along with tightening supply and harsh weather conditions. The average export price of whole frozen tilapia, frozen filet and breaded tilapia grew by 21%, 26% and 37.4% to reach USD 1.88/kg, USD 3.60/kg respectively.

Exports of locally farmed tilapia expanded worldwide. Under the whole frozen category, higher exports went to African nations such as Cameroon, Ghana, Congo and Namibia. The United Arab Emirates also imported close to 1 050 tonnes of whole frozen tilapia during January-June 2011.

USA

The popularity of tilapia grew in the US market, in 2010 the combined value of US imports of tilapia and pangasius, both tropical freshwater fish, exceeded USD 1 billion. According to data released by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), per capita consumption of tilapia increased from 1.21 lbs in 2009 to 1.45 lbs in 2010.

US imports of high value fresh/chilled (air-flown) tilapia fillet declined by 6.6% both in quantity and value during the first six months of 2011 against the same period last year. Imports from major suppliers Costa Rica and Ecuador declined by 45.5% and 1.3% respectively, while shipments from Honduras, another major exporter, increased by almost 20%. Taiwan Province of China, double its exports from 105 tonnes last year to over 218 tonnes this year.

Supplies of whole frozen tilapia from China declined by nearly 11% in 2011 compared with 2010. Supply constraints and demand from domestic markets of producing countries have also been taking away some share from exports.

Representatives of the aquaculture industry reported that prices of tilapia in Taiwan have risen this year as a result of the economic recovery.

Thailand exported 3.1% less tilapia during the January to June period this year, with more supplies directed to the domestic market. Floods also affected tilapia farms, lowering production. Exports to the USA showed a decline of nearly 10% from a year ago. On the other hand, exports to Italy and the UK were up by 10% and 126% respectively.

There is a growing demand market for certified chemical-free and organic fish in East Asia’s tilapia market. Some customers are willing to pay higher prices for such quality-controlled products. Certified organic tilapia was introduced to the Malaysian market at a retail price of USD 22.60/kg.

EU

EU imports of tilapia fillet during the first half of 2011 were 9 588 tonnes, up 5% from the same period of 2010, China was the largest supplier (87%) and Indonesia increased its supplies by 14%. Spain overtook Poland as the largest importer in the EU with supplies up 57%, while imports into Poland fell by 28%. Germany imported more tilapia fillets, up by 12% compared with 2010 figures.

All Tesco stores throughout the UK now sell tilapia that is produced locally by The Fish Company, which operates farms in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Brazil

Tilapia production in Brazil in 2010 was projected at 200 000 tonnes, with consumption within the country growing in popularity. The strength of the Brazilian currency, which is up 33% since late 2008, made it more attractive to sell tilapia in the domestic market. Multinational companies such as Pescanova and Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui) are already expanding their production in Brazil and targeting the domestic market.

Outlook

Worldwide demand for tilapia is increasing and, although China will continue to be the largest producer, some innovative projects are being initiated in other parts of the world, including in Africa. Prices will firm as consumption grows as tilapia has grown in popularity, any slowdown in tilapia production and availability from China will likely have a a quick market impact under current circumstances.