Brussels, 07/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission adopted its annual proposal to set guide prices for fish products for 2002, taking into account changes in production levels (quotas) and market demand and Member States' average port and wholesale prices over the previous three years. Fisheries Ministers are expected to adopt the regulation at the Fisheries Council on 27 November. The broad market trends that determined the Commissions proposals are:
- White fish. As a result of the general supply deficit and high consumer demand, the Commission is proposing to increase the guide price by 1 to 2.5% for most species except spotted dogfish (-3%), with no change to the guide price for hake, megrim and flounder. In 1999-2001 (compared with 1998-2000) the average increase of white fish rose by between 1% and 26%, with the exception of the price of hake, saithe, plaice and spotted dogfish. In the first six months of 2001, white fish prices were at their highest level since the first half of 2000, except for hake, spotted dogfish, megrim and anglerfish.
- Pelagics. An increase of 1% is proposed for anchovy and 3% for mackerel and herring, following a marked improvement in the pelagics market.
- Crustaceans. A less favourable market situation (apart from for grey shrimps) has led the Commission to propose maintaining current guide prices for crustaceans.
- Frozen fish. Prices for frozen products have tended to go up on the international markets, except for hake, cuttlefish and octopus for which the Commission is proposing either to maintain the current price (hake) or to reduce the guide price (cuttlefish and octopus).
- Tuna for processing. A 1% reduction in the Community producer price is proposed for tuna and yellowfin tuna.
- The main prices proposed (per tonne) are: 1) whole fish: herring (EUR 260, +3% on 2001); sardines (EUR 558, +1.5%); dogfish (EUR 1101, +2%); spotted dogfish (EUR 790, -3%), redfish (EUR 1171, +1.5%); cod (EUR 1591, +2%); haddock (EUR 1078, +2.5%); ling (EUR 1214, +1.5%); anchovy (EUR 1209, +1%); hake (EUR 3695, 0%); megrim (EUR 2382, 0%); butted albacore with head (EUR 2477, +1%); cuttlefish (EUR 1613, +1.5%); monkfish without head (EUR 5928, +1.5%); and 2) for frozen fish: Greenland halibut (EUR 1976, +2%); hake (EUR 1277, 0%); sea bream (EUR 1587, +2%); swordfish (EUR 4080, +2%); and 3) tune for the processing industry: yellowfin tuna (EUR 1160, -1%).
