The price of sea bream feed drops: relief for fish farmers in Spain

  • Feed costs for sea bream are falling due to lower raw material prices.
  • The decline benefits Spanish producers in a context of international uncertainty.
  • The price of fattening feed for sea bream is at its lowest level in recent years.
  • Geopolitical tensions and market volatility continue to cause concern.

Gilthead sea bream in aquatic environment

The aquaculture sector in Spain experiences economic relief after months of tension, Due to the significant drop in the price of feed for sea bream. This change comes at a crucial time for domestic fish farmers, who for years have struggled with high costs stemming from raw materials and volatile international markets.

In the last weeks, the average price per ton of feed for sea bream has dropped to around 1.111 euros per tonne, which represents a slight but significant reduction compared to the previous month. The figure represents a decrease of 0,78% compared to May, as stated in the latest report from the Subdirectorate General of Livestock Production Means of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

A sustained decline throughout the year

Sea bream aquaculture

The analysis of the The first six months of the year show a cumulative decline of 4,09%. in sea bream feed prices. Compared to the same period last year, the reduction is even more significant, as farm-raised sea bream are currently fed It is almost 6% cheaper. To learn more about sea bream breeding techniques, you can consult our Guidelines for raising Koi fish.

This reduction in price reminiscent of the prices recorded in November 2021, when the world was still in the midst of post-pandemic recovery and logistical and energy issues were at the heart of producers' concerns. Although the supply situation has improved, caution remains a prevalent issue due to global fluctuations.

Factors influencing the market

Fish meal for sea bream

Experts agree that the main driver of this decline is the Falling prices for essential raw materials, such as fishmeal and soybeans. Furthermore, the strength of the euro against the dollar has lowered the cost of imports of these essential components for the production of feed consumed by sea bream in Spanish fish farms. If you want to expand your knowledge about the care de peces In aquaculture, we recommend you visit the article on carp fish.

This situation allows producers to recover margin in their activity, a particularly relevant factor in an industry as cost-sensitive as intensive aquaculture.

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Uncertainty, but some stability

Farmed sea bream producer

Although the decrease in the cost of feed for sea bream is well received by aquaculture farmers, the sector remains alert to the threats arising from the international instabilityPhenomena such as tensions in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Iran, or the economic decisions of major powers like the United States can quickly alter the current balance, generating abrupt increases in raw material prices that would again impact production costs.

La Market volatility remains a latent risk, so the forecasts for the coming months are cautious. Technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture insist that, despite the recent decline, prices could rise again If basic inputs become more expensive or if the exchange rate is no longer favorable for imports of fishmeal or soybeans.

This downward trend, together with the possible recovery in costs, may have positive repercussions for the Spanish aquaculture, allowing greater competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.

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