Container freight rates from Asia to Europe and America are rapidly increasing

On the 10th, container freight rates from Asia to the West Coast of North America exceeded $4,000 per 40-foot container, an increase of more than $1,000 from before China's Labor Day (1-5 days) holiday. May 1st is the renewal period for the service contract (SC) for North American routes, but there are few examples of increases at this time. The tide is changing, with not only North American routes but also increases in shipping to northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea.

As of October 10, freight rates compiled by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) are $4,393 to the west coast of North America and $5,562 to the east coast of North America. Compared to April 26, just before the Labor Day holiday, prices to the West Bank increased by $791, and prices to the East Coast increased by $901. Compared to the previous day on the 19th, prices have actually increased by $1,300 to $1,400 for both coasts.

On European routes, where prices are rising along with North America, prices for Northern Europe as of May 10th are $2,869 per 20-foot container (up $569 as of April 26th), and prices for the Mediterranean are $3,915 (up $680 as of April 26th). Shipments to Europe are also being affected by tight space due to shipments being brought forward in preparation for the prolongation of the Red Sea crisis.

Innophys Co., Ltd. (Hachioji City, Tokyo, president: Naotaka Otokawa), a venture company originating from Tokyo University of Science, delivered three assist suits developed by the company to JF Akita in February of this year.

Approximately two and a half months have passed since the trial introduction, and we have received positive feedback from fishermen and market participants, saying, "The strain on my lower back has been reduced" and "I can really feel the support it provides."

The company's assist suits have been used in the nursing care, agriculture, construction, and logistics fields, but this is the first time that they have been tested for full-scale implementation in the fishing industry.

A person in charge of the Akita Prefectural Fisheries Promotion Center contacted the company and asked if they would like to conduct a demonstration experiment with a view to introducing it to fisheries workers, and the company received an inquiry about the "Muscle Suit Soft-Power", which reduces the burden on the lower back by 35%. A total of three machines were delivered, including one Muscle Suit Soft-Light, which protects the waist like a corset and eases the burden of work. [....]

U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola of Alaska this spring unexpectedly pulled her support for a Republican-led bill that seeks to pave the way for more oil drilling in the state, opening her up to criticism from opponents who claim she’s supporting a pro-Biden agenda.

It was the latest in a series of moves by the Democrats that led to a mix of reactions from conservation and tribal groups and resource development advocates.

Peltola late last month backed the controversial Donlin Gold prospect, joining Alaska Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan in a friends-of-the-court legal brief expressing support. That effort drew criticism from a tribal group in the region, and praise from industry trade groups. They called the Southwest Alaska mine one of the state’s “most important and necessary economic development projects.”

Also on May 1, Peltola introduced legislation in the House to stop the Pebble copper and gold mine in the Bristol Bay region that’s home to the world’s largest commercial sockeye salmon fishery. That move drew widespread applause from conservation and tribal groups, and opposition from the mine developer.[continues...]

Author/Source: Alex DeMarban/Alaska Journal of Commerce

The Maritime Action Vessel (BAM) Furor, built by Navantia in its shipyard in Ferrol, is immersed in the maritime security exercise Obangame Express 2024, which takes place between May 11 and 16 in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. The maneuvers in which the Galician vessel participates will serve to evaluate the role it plays together with the rest of the forces present, promoting its "interoperability" to increase the deterrence capacity of the coastal countries against illegal fishing, piracy, illicit trafficking and other maritime threats. It is the largest maritime exercise in West and Central Africa.

Source: Faro de Vigo l Read the full article here

Chile, the United States and African countries increased fishmeal production, according to the IFFO report.

The Marine Ingredients Organization recently published this in-depth report on global fishmeal and fish oil production trends in the first three months of 2024.

The report addresses global fish oil and fishmeal production trends in the first three months of 2024.

Source: EuropaAzul l Read the full article here

Aldi U.S., which is rapidly growing its footprint across the country, has introduced a multitude of new seafood products this year and is lowering prices on products across its stores.

The Batavia, Illinois, U.S.A.-based operator of around 2,200 discount grocery stores announced it will drop its everyday low prices on more than 250 items, passing along USD 100 million (EUR 92.8 million) in total savings to customers. The move is similar to one taken by the company in 2023, which saved shoppers more than USD 60 million (EUR 55.7 million), according to Aldi U.S. President Dave Rinaldo.

Author:Christine Blank / SeafoodSource  i Read the full article here

Europe’s association of fish processers and traders is calling on the European Commission to back the industry as it continues negotiations on a free trade agreement with Thailand.

Ahead of the third round of talks, scheduled for June in Brussels, AIPCE-CEP is urging the Commission to consider the concerns of the industry, and in particular exclude some tuna products from any deal in order to safeguard European production.

Source: Worldfishing i Read the full article here

Algae oil producer Veramaris increased its production volume by 50% in 2023.

“2023 marks a pivotal year for Veramaris, as we not only achieved a record increase in production volumes but also solidified our market position. We are now poised to scale up sustainably, streamlining our production processes and forging new partnerships,” said Veramaris CEO Gertjan de Koning.

Source: SalmonBusiness i Read the full article here

The coastal herring fishery in the Sea of ??Japan, caught using gill nets and set nets, reached a new high in recent years with a total of 6,540 tons caught in the area from Soya to Hiyama, according to preliminary reports at the end of April.

• According to a summary by the Extension Instructor of the Growth Industries Division of the Prefectural Fisheries and Forestry Department, the total amount was 5,707 tons, which was 1,000 tons more than the previous year, with 1,316 tons in northern Shishi, 3,012 tons in Ishikari, 1,373 tons in Rumoi, and 5 tons in Soya. 
• In addition, Shinanbu caught 815 tons, including 349 tons in Suttsu Town, more than four times the amount from the previous year.
• Hiyama's production was 19 tons, the same as last year. 

The fishing season has been extended overall, and large, older herring fish were not cut off until the latter half of the season.

Announcement of new medium-term plan, further expansion of “Overseas” and “Food”

On the 10th, Kyokuyo (President Makoto Inoue) announced a new medium-term management plan, "Gear Up Kyokuyo 2027", covering the years 2024 to 2027.

For the last fiscal year ending in March 2027, sales estimated at 400 billion yen (261.6 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 2024) and operating income will be 13.5 billion yen (8.8 billion yen), an increase of approximately 53% in three years.

The target value for the overseas sales ratio is 15% or more.