"The intense and long winter is reported to have badly affected tilapia production in China. Observers estimate that production could have dropped by as much as 80 percent," FAO said in its "Tilapia Market Report" for April. "Tilapia traders worldwide forecast a significant scarcity this year, which could last for eight to 12 months. Subsequently, prices have started to rise."
Chinese exports of tilapia to certain African markets may be affected until the situation improves, but the situation could be a boon for Latin American producers in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Brazil, which would be able to provide adequate supplies of tilapia, particularly fresh product, at better prices, FAO said.
Suppliers
