Tilapia Prices Remain Stable in May, but Exports Decline

Average tilapia prices—both live and chilled—remained stable throughout May in Brazil’s central producing regions, according to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea). The market was supported early in the month by still strong demand, driven by the post-Lent period. However, as the weeks progressed and temperatures dropped, consumption gradually declined, limiting further price increases.

The decrease in domestic demand due to cooler weather is a seasonal trend that industry analysts had anticipated. Nonetheless, the stability in prices is seen as a positive sign by producers, as it suggests a degree of resilience in the supply chain despite lower consumption levels.

In the international market, May data indicates a drop in shipments, although export volumes remain high. According to data from Brazil’s Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) analyzed by Cepea, Brazil exported 1,420 tonnes of tilapia in May—a 7.4% decrease compared to April. Despite the monthly decline, the volume is still 2.2% higher than that of the same period last year.

Tilapia remains Brazil’s leading exported fish species, and its international competitiveness continues to benefit from investments in quality, processing, and logistics. Experts believe that the pace of exports could pick up again depending on the recovery of demand in target markets and the stability of the U.S. dollar.

Source: Cenário MT

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