China's Fishmeal Market
From late June some ports have shown fishmeal shipments improving, but the overall domestic market has still not entered the peak season, according to Himfr.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms.
As the temperature in China's northern areas registers a significant increase, the demand for fish feed has gradually picked up, while with the continuous rains in southern China, aquaculture's peak season will continue to be delayed, specifically as follows:
Recently China's domestic fishmeal market has been light, with prices remaining relatively stable. At southern domestic ports, normal levels of fishmeal are offered at 11,800-12,000 yuan/ton, while mainstream super steam fishmeal is offered at 12,300-12,500 yuan/ton. Shipments of fishmeal in north China have also improved.
Since June, with rising temperatures in northern regions, aquaculture has gradually come into season, converting to distinctive growth in fish feed orders. The fishmeal market has been more active in May, where standard carp's price is about 4.3-4.4 yuan/kg. Local carp seed separation is now over, and fish feed is gradually coming into season. Fish feed inquiries on himfr.com have also increased, and fishmeal shipments are improving.
Freshwater fish farming is relatively smooth. Crucian carp price is 5.5 yuan/kg, carp price is about 4.6 yuan/kg. Although market demand is currently quite light and local fish market prices have fallen slightly, it is expected that prices and orders will quickly rebound.
In late May South China experienced strong rain, especially in central and southern Zhejiang, southern Jiangxi, south-eastern Hunan, western and northern Fujian, northern and western Guangdong, eastern Guangxi and south-western Yunnan. The heavy rain has hampered the usually robust aquaculture market in these areas. Feed demand is expected to be delayed, as the current season for shrimp farming in these areas is not expected to show great numbers or be busy.
All in all, with south China sustaining heavy rainfall in almost all of June, aquaculture recovery has been significantly impeded. Feed companies usually like to consume the existing stock, and are not in the process of stockpiling more. If the weather gets better, domestic market demand for fish feed will continue to grow.