Argentina's Squid Catch Expected to Set the Strongest Fishing Record in a Decade!

According to Official Technical Report No. 20/2025 issued by Argentina's National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) on May 9, as of May 8 (Week 19), the cumulative nationwide squid landings in Argentina had reached 147,929 tons, while the total volume actually recorded at ports has surpassed the milestone of 150,000 tons. This figure not only matches recent high levels but also suggests the potential to set the strongest fishing record of the past decade.

Expanded Fishing Areas Highlight Strong Performance in Northern Regions

According to the INIDEP report, since the start of the fishing season on January 2, 2025, a total of 78 squid jigging vessels have been involved in operations, achieving a total catch of 143,279 tons with an average daily output of 22 tons. Among this, 63% of the catch was obtained from areas south of 44°S latitude. Meanwhile, in the waters north of 44°S latitude—specifically the Buenos Aires–North Patagonian population (SBNP) region—which opened for fishing on March 26, the cumulative catch reached 52,609 tons. Notably, there has been a clear trend of resource concentration and improvement in individual squid quality in this area.

Northern Sample Analysis Reveals Promising Trends in Argentina's Squid Fisheries

Analysis of northern samples shows that the captured individuals are mainly within the length range of 17 to 30 centimeters, with males predominantly in the initial and mature stages, while most females have yet to mature, confirming them as part of the Buenos Aires–North Patagonian (SBNP) population. Notably, since May, both the size and weight of individuals have been on the rise, with daily per-vessel yields increasing from 17 tons to 27 tons, indicating high activity levels in the fishing grounds and a favorable growth in resource reserves.

Global Supply Shortages Boost Argentina Squid Export Values

In 2025, global squid resources face numerous challenges. The Loligo squid fishing season around the Falkland Islands ended prematurely, with March catches totaling just 22,000 tons; Gigas squid (Dosidicus gigas) saw its annual production plummet to 188,000 tons in 2024 due to ENSO phenomena, halving compared to previous years; and Japanese squid quotas were reduced to a historical low of 19,200 tons. Against this backdrop, Argentine squid has emerged as a crucial supplement to the global market. Statistics show that in the first quarter of 2025, Argentina exported 67,530 tons of squid, including 45,245 tons to China, accounting for 67%, firmly positioning it as the largest export destination. Due to stable resources, whole individuals, and superior quality, the domestic market enthusiasm for Argentine squid continues to rise, maintaining strong price performance.

Robust Prices Revitalize the Industry Chain

Driven by high-quality resources and international market demand, overall prices for Argentine squid remained at a high level in 2025. According to industry feedback, some premium grades have reached over USD 2.7 per kilogram upon arrival at Mar del Plata port, representing an increase of nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2024. Especially noteworthy is that the fishing points for northern squid resources are only a 24-hour voyage from major ports, ensuring efficient transportation and landing, which further guarantees export quality and delivery schedules. As global demand shifts towards Argentina, China's purchasing pace also accelerates. Industry insiders predict that with some squid vessels returning to port in mid-to-late June, major ports such as Zhoushan, Weihai, and Qingdao will see a surge in arrivals of Argentine squid, potentially putting some downward pressure on spot prices.

Optimistic Outlook for Second Half Resource Performance

Despite first-half catches reaching 118% of those in 2020, INIDEP's report advises caution in forecasting subsequent yields as the northern SBNP population is still in its developmental stage. Currently, some research institutions recommend fleets dynamically adjust their operational strategies based on real-time monitoring to avoid overfishing and ensure population recovery.