MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Seafood Trends

Published on August 31, 2026

Calamari/Squid

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Limson supply is stable even as overall market pricing remains elevated.

Outlook: Stable inventory despite price pressure.

Cod Alaskan Shatter Fillets 1x

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Seasonal labor shortages in Alaska have limited new season production.

Outlook: Price remains elevated due to production limitations.

Cod Atlantic Loins 2x

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Limson has ample inventory to offer despite pricing being steady on the high side.

Outlook: Ready availability at higher market price points.

Cod Atlantic Shatter Fillets/Loins 1x

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Icelandic costs are elevated due to quota cuts, a 10% tariff, and strong demand in the EU & UK.

Newfoundland loins are also elevated despite a slight quota increase.

Outlook: Limited supply and high costs will persist.

Cod Pacific Loins 2x

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
12.5% China tariff (increased 7/24/26) and 20%+ Y-O-Y quota cuts.

Russian sanctions on cod are contributing to elevated pricing.

Outlook: Strong demand and consistent supply, but at elevated prices.

Snow Crab—Canadian

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Fishing season is over, though inventories remain readily available for now.

Strong overall demand in North America & Asia is pushing prices higher weekly.

Outlook: Expect steady or rising prices throughout the off-season.

Grouper—Asian

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Supply is currently keeping up with demand. Limson is well stocked on all fillet sizes.

Outlook: Market is stable for the time being.

Haddock

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Costs are at historical highs due to the 12.5% China tariff.

Poor catches and higher demand in the EU are tightening availability.

Outlook:Expect limited supply and continued record-high costs.

Hake Fillets/Loins

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Most global supply is being diverted to the EU market, leaving limited stock for the US.

Outlook: Pricing remains elevated due to weak domestic availability.

Euro Lake Perch & Pike Perch

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Pike perch/zander stock is ample, but Euro lake perch is short due to low Great Lakes quotas.

Outlook: Euro lake perch will remain a good price fighter for the Great Lakes market.

Lake Fish White Fish

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Processors are tight on frozen supply as most current catch is going to the fresh market.

Outlook: Frozen inventories should improve as seasonal restaurants close for the season.

Lake Fish Walleye

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Similar to White Fish, frozen availability is limited by the current preference for the fresh market.

Outlook: Expect frozen inventory gains later in the year as seasonal demand shifts.

Lake Fish White Perch

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
The overall market seems to be ample in stock.

Outlook: Stable market conditions are expected to continue.

Lake Fish Yellow Perch

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
A 26% quota reduction for 2026 has significantly impacted availability.

Catch is only “trickling in” out of the Great Lakes this year.

Outlook: Availability will be “in and out” of stock with increasing prices.

Lobster—NA Tails

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
PEI “Fall” Canadian fishery is in full swing. Boat prices are high but demand is moderate.

Outlook: Deals may be available depending on specific processor inventory levels.

Lobster—NA Meats

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Current fall fishery is providing steady supply, with boat prices remaining elevated.

Outlook: Market remains steady; pricing clarity depends on processor holdings.

Mahi Mahi

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Two more loads are pending from Asian landings this Fall.

El Nino weather conditions in South America are creating uncertainty for the upcoming season.

Outlook: Limson is currently ahead of demand, but overall market supply remains limited.

Oysters, Mussels & Clams

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
2026 season Gulf half-shell oysters and Canadian mussels are readily available.

Chilean mussels remain short with upward price pressure.

Outlook: Ample overall market stock, though some specialty items face price elevation.

Pollock 1x

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Poor catch (down nearly 30% from last year) and seasonal labor shortages in Alaska.

Outlook: New season production is limited and pricing remains elevated.

Pollock 2x

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Stock remains tight as the current B Season supply remains lackluster.

Impacted by 12.5% China tariffs and Russian sanctions.

Outlook: Readily available stock but subject to high global price floors.

Salmon (Farmed)—Chilean

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
New Section 301 tariffs (12.5%) have raised entry prices slightly.

Lower raw material numbers at the farm level are causing long-term uncertainty.

Outlook: Ample stock available for now, with price uncertainty in the long term.

Salmon (Farmed)—Norwegian

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
12.5% Section 301 tariffs are in effect, but lower raw material prices have offset the increase.

Outlook: Possible price relief in the near term as costs balance out.

Scallops

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
USA is ~65% harvested for the 2026 TAC with consistent harvests.

Ample Japanese product is keeping all market prices in check.

Outlook: Prices are firm but stabilized by imported inventory.

Shrimp Black Tiger

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Raw material availability remains exceptionally tight, particularly for larger sizes.

Outlook: Availability and pricing expected to improve through the end of the year.

Shrimp Domestic

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Rising fuel prices are squeezing boat margins despite average landing levels.

Louisiana inshore opening is producing a mix of head-on whites and browns.

Outlook:Packers holding dockside prices firm; clarity expected in two weeks.

Shrimp White Imported

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Farm-gate prices increased across Asian origins due to disease challenges and high feed costs

Logistics challenges and container shortages in Asia persist.

Outlook:Upward pressure on pricing continues despite ready availability.

Swai

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Higher global demand is driving costs up, especially for smaller 3-5 oz fillets.

Outlook: Expect slight cost increases as supply meets higher global demand.

Tilapia

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
Lower fry counts are starting to push pricing upward despite ample stock.

Outlook: Pricing beginning to increase after a period of stability.

Yellow Tuna/Swordfish

Supply

Price

Key Drivers:
High ocean freight rates are causing pricing to remain firm or increase slightly.

Outlook: Frozen inventories are readily available with ample overall market stock.

This comprehensive research empowers you to make informed business decisions. The information contained in this monthly market update is for informational purposes only. It represents our best estimates of commodity market conditions and is subject to change without notice. While we strive to provide accurate information, Gordon Food Service cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the content. Any reliance you place on this information is strictly at your own risk.

125+ Years of Serving

Shop Our Stores

Explore Our Family of Private Brands

Two business employees looking at laptop preparing to place an order for their restaurant/ | Run Your Business

Ordering Made Easy

Where Purpose, People & the Planet Come First

Search Our Site…

Contact us at the home office

125+ Years of Partnerships at the Table & Beyond

Technology Solutions Catered To Your
Business Needs