Mintec is proposing to launch new monthly Mintec Benchmark Prices (MBP) for Thai skipjack tuna

All Market Notes 13 January 2023

Mintec is proposing to launch new monthly Mintec Benchmark Prices (MBP) for Thai skipjack tuna caught in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) region and landed in Thailand, and is collecting feedback from market participants in the seafood markets until Tuesday 31st January 2023.

The proposed specification for this assessment would be as below:

Thailand Frozen skipjack, whole, round, ≥1.8kg, caught in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, landed in Bangkok, Thailand 20ft container CIF Bangkok USD (US Dollar) MT (Metric tonne) Monthly

The proposed assessment would reflect the transactable value at 16:00:00 London time.

Skipjack tuna is the most globally consumed tuna species, particularly as a shelf-stable canned product. The WCPO is the world’s largest skipjack tuna fishery, comprising approximately 60% of global biomass. Thailand is responsible for processing and canning the largest share of skipjack landed in the WCPO. Thailand’s importance as a key hub for importing, processing and re-exporting skipjack supports the demand for such a benchmark. These Mintec Benchmark Prices would provide an independent reference point for the industry.

Please send any questions or comments about this market note to methodology@mintecglobal.com by Tuesday 31st January 2023, and clearly state which market note your comments relate to, and if comments are intended for publication by Mintec.

Mintec is proposing to launch this assessment, if supported by the industry, on Thursday 23rd February 2023.

Mintec will acknowledge receipt of all comments by email.