The USA Salmonex Index heading into this month was $5.90/lb for Fresh Trim D 2-3lb Atlantics in Miami
In comparison, West Coast price points are hitting the high $6.00 mark for Fresh Atlantics.
Last week the National Marine Fisheries Service reported 2016 imports of fresh Atlantic fillets up 3 percent in volume year-to-year but at a price tag 28 percent higher.
--- For Frozen Fillets, inventories have dwindled down, especially during tightening of supply caused by Sea Lice.
Warmer ocean temperatures due to global warming have boosted sea lice populations, effecting farms in Norway and Scotland.
If you recall, last year's Chilean algae bloom hit the farmed salmon market hard too when 23 million fish were lost.
Trim D 2-3lb Atlantic Salmon Fillet pricing has sharply risen as bare inventories shake up the East Coast.
Prices in this month hit $6.45 / lb after rising from the mid-$5s in the fall last year.
We typically see farmed salmon in the $3.00 range, acting as a substitute when wild salmon like Chum and Pink are short.
For comparison, Trim C ocean run IVP pink salmon fillets were around $2.70/lb in Vancouver, but with limited inventory.
However, this year's Atlantic pricing is actually approaching Sockeye fillet territory.
Trim C 1-3lb IVP Sockeye Salmon fillets are firm at $6.75/lb since late December, with little volatility during the fall.
We recommend stocking a good meat colour Chum substitute and watch the market. Buy in on farmed Salmon whne you see a drop in market price by $0.25 - $0.30 per pound.
