Mixed trends in European frozen crawfish and lobster imports

European trends for large crustacean imports are mixed this year with crawfish volumes largely down while lobster volumes are up compared to 2005.

Imports of frozen crawfish products declined in key European markets with volumes in France and Spain down 41 and 5% respectively during the first five months compared to the same period last year. These declines were partially balanced by increases in frozen lobster imports in both markets.

Import values have tended to follow the volume trends this year with the value of crawfish imports down in both countries while the value of lobster imports increased. The drop in French crawfish value imports was, however, just 30% implying an increase in unit values this year. Similarly, the increase in lobster import values was not as pronounced in either France or Spain compared to the volume increases, a trend implying a drop in unit import values for lobsters this year in both markets.

In the live segment, lobster imports have followed the frozen trend with increases this year in both France and Spain, as well as in Italy. In general, the value of imports has increased at a stronger rate this year suggesting an increase in average price levels compared to 2005.

Sharp drop in French frozen crawfish imports

France imported over 3 300 tonnes (€70 million) of frozen crawfish products last year. On current trends, this level will not be reached in 2006. Volume imports declined by over 40% during the January-May period this year compared with the same period in 2005. The fall in imports has affected several key suppliers, notably Bahamas, down 30%, and Cuba, down around 50%. The USA, also a major supplier in 2005, is down significantly this year although imports from Spain, the fourth supplier in 2005, are stable this year.

The drop in French frozen crawfish imports this year has been partially balanced by an increase in frozen lobster imports, volumes doubling to over 220 tonnes following a significant increase in imports from Canada during the first five months. French live lobster imports, on the other hand, are stable this year with volumes largely unchanged on the January-May period last year.

Increased Spanish live lobster imports from the USA

Spanish frozen crawfish imports are also down this year but at a much lower rate than the French market. Volumes fell 5% to 720 tonnes during the first five months of the year following a 17% fall in imports from Cuba, the dominant supplier. Cuba continues to account for the bulk of Spanish imports although its share has dropped from around three quarters during January-May 2005 to less than two thirds this year.

An increase in Spanish frozen lobster imports more than compensated the crawfish decline with volumes up from 100 to over 300 tonnes during the five month period. This increase reflected increases from several suppliers including Benelux, Canada and Ireland. In the live lobster segment, import volumes are also up thanks largely to an increase in sales from the USA, volumes jumping a third to almost 700 tonnes.

Italian live lobster imports stable

An increase in US live lobster sales is also evident in the Italian market this year with volumes up 7% to over 700 tonnes during the first four months. The increase more than balanced a drop in Italian imports from Canada resulting in a slight overall increase in live lobster imports compared to January-April 2005. Italian imports of frozen crawfish and lobster are seasonally quiet during the first half of the year. Volumes for the first four months are up slightly, to almost 300 tonnes, compared with the same period last year.

Peak European consumption period in fourth quarter

Although European import trade in large crustaceans is focused more on the second half of the year with peak consumption during the final quarter, price levels for 2006, as reflected in unit value movements during the early months of the year, look set to be higher than 2005 levels with lower volumes in the frozen crawfish market. In the frozen lobster market, Canadian production this summer is reported to be in line with that of last year. Demand appears to be steady with prices largely stable since the beginning of the season.

Gerry O'Sullivan
© 2006 FAO