China loses tilapia in cold winter

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%. Tilapia traders worldwide forecast a significant scarcity this year, which could last for 8-12 months. Consequently, prices have started to rise. Chinese exports of tilapia to certain African markets may be affected until the situation improves. These developments could have a positive influence on Latin American tilapia producing countries like Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Brazil, which would be able to provide adequate supplies of tilapia, particularly fresh product, at better prices. Suppliers of marine whitefish species, many of which had been substituted by tilapia products in recent times will also be able to take advantage of the situation.

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