On the cuttlefish market there is relative calm. Trade is steady but rather unexciting. The major markets show very little movement.

During the first three months of 2011, the import of cuttlefish by Japan declined by about 16%, to 3 100 tonnes. The main supplier is Thailand, followed by Viet Nam and Morocco. All three major suppliers experienced declines in shipments to Japan during the first quarter.

On the Italian market there was a slight increase in imports as a result of improved demand. Total imports increased by 6.5%, most of which supplied by France. The other large suppliers include Tunisia and Spain.

The largest market for cuttlefish in Europe, Spain,showed practically no movement during the first quarter of 2011. Imports increased by a mere 200 tonnes, to 9 000 tonnes. The main suppliers were India and Morocco, both of which saw slight declines in their shipments to Spain.

Prices of cuttlefish have been on the rise for the past ten years, although there have been ups and downs. In 2011 cuttlefish prices have increased, while squid prices in Japan have been more volatile.