Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending June 12, 2026

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A US–Iran memorandum to pause the Gulf war could be signed as soon as Sunday, though wording is still being finalized.

Iran is pushing for the deal to also end fighting in Lebanon and includes demands like lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and halting hostilities across all fronts, while nuclear issues would be postponed.

Trump said a “great settlement” was ready and called off new strikes, but details remain unclear. Reports also suggest tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies...

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Trump Opens "Hundreds of Thousands" of Pacific Miles to US Commercial Fishing

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Proclamation on June 11 titled "Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific," opening expanded fishing grounds for American fishermen across three Pacific marine national monuments.

The proclamation restores commercial fishing access to:

-- The Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument

-- The Mau Zone and Ho'omalu Zone and areas seaward of 50 nautical miles within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

-- Waters between 12 and 50 nautical miles surrounding Rose Atoll within the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument...

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USDA Office of Seafood Secures First Federal Funding in 2027 Appropriations Bill

The US House of Representatives passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act of 2027 (HR 8646) last week with a vote of 213 to 210, allocating $500,000 to fund the USDA Office of Seafood in fiscal year 2027.

The appropriation marks the first federal funding for the office since its establishment in April 2026. The Trump administration created the office, described as the "first of its kind," to provide customer service for American seafood cultivators, producers, and processors seeking to...

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Peru Extends Fishing Ban Indefinitely as Global Fishmeal Output Plunges 26%

Peruvian authorities have extended the current fishing ban beyond its June 10 deadline with no termination date announced, covering the maritime area from Peru's northern border to 16°00′S latitude.

The indefinite extension reflects ongoing Coastal El Niño conditions, with warm waters and a high share of juvenile fish indicating a dispersed biomass. The Vice-Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture may lift the measure in full, in part, or gradually, based on IMARPE's scientific assessments and updated biological, fishing, and environmental conditions...

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EU Prepares New Sanctions Targeting Russian Fish Exports, Including Cod Ban

The EU's new sanctions package against Russia may restrict Russian fishery supplies to Europe, including a complete ban on cod sales, which may lead to serious losses for Russian fishermen.

According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, fisheries have so far been among the sectors not significantly affected by sanctions; this may change soon.

The EU market has been among the most important sales markets for Russian fishermen despite current tensions between the two sides. According to estimates by the Russian Fisheries Union, in 2025, total...

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Japan's 2025 Frozen Sockeye Imports up 37% from Russia, Plummets 69% from the US

Japan imports wild sockeye salmon, mainly caught in the summer from Russia and the United States, and uses it as a raw material for salted salmon.

According to trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, Japan's 2025 imports of frozen sockeye salmon increased by 17% year-on-year (YOY) to 18,602 tons, with an average price of 1,150 yen/kg ($7.16/kg), up 14%. While the increase in imports from Russia, the main source, drove the overall increase...

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Crop-Threatening 'Super El Niño' Also Likely to Create Regional Winners, Say Expana Experts

This year’s (2026-2027) El Niño weather phenomenon can significantly affect global commodities, and food price inflation can be expected, especially if it is confirmed to be what is commonly known as a ‘Super El Niño’.

While most of the mainstream media's focus is on the devastating consequences of the Super El Niño phenomenon, it is worth noting that it will have a large but also highly varied economic impact across different regions. There are both winning and losing countries - and by extension, agricultural commodities

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Canada Launches Mission to Combat IUU Fishing in the North Pacific Ocean

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens national and international fish stocks, ocean ecosystems, and global markets. Last Tuesday, Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) launched its fourth annual high seas patrol to detect and deter IUU fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.

The mission, known as Operation North Pacific Guard (Op. NPG), is led by DFO fishery officers and supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The patrol also includes representatives from the US Coast Guard...

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Winding Glass: Section 301 Tariffs Set to Permanently Twist Seafood Trade

The recent headline that section 301 seafood tariffs will reach $2.9 billion does not tell the industry story. The headline number is the result of an 11.4% blended tariff calculation applied to the value of goods shipped by 60 targeted countries to the US in 2025. That is one result of the Section 301 forced-labor duties proposed by the US Trade Representative on June 2. It is more than the roughly $2.2 billion importers paid last year, most of it under the IEEPA tariffs the Supreme...

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ANALYSIS: Argentina Squid Exports Surge 43.5% YTD, China Accounts for Majority of Growth

The Illex squid (Illex argentinus) 2026 season began in January, and according to market participants, catches in Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South Atlantic Ocean have been successful. The latest report from Argentina's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries indicates cumulative landings from January 1 to May 26 totaled 187,762 MT, up 2.4% from 183,324 MT in the same period in 2025 (Figure 1)...

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UK Salmon Sales Surge to £1.6 Billion as Summer World Cup Drives Demand

New data shows that sales of the United Kingdom's favorite fish — salmon — increased in volume by 8.5 percent and in value by 7.3 percent in the year ending March 30. The figures show more than 81,000 tonnes of salmon were sold in the 12 months to March.

Even as overall fish sales have remained largely unchanged, salmon continues to grow strongly.

The figures come as families turn to lighter, healthier meals over the summer, with salmon well suited to barbecues, salads, simple dinners, and World Cup...

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Russian Pollock Roe Auction Keeps Prices Stable for Busan Auction

The auction for this season's new production of frozen Russian Pollock roe in Busan, South Korea, began in March as usual and largely concluded by the end of May. According to trading company sources, this season's production volume is estimated at 30,000 to 31,000 tons for January to April, about 5,000 tons lower than the previous season, Minato Shimbun reported.

The decline in production is attributed to a decrease in roe yield and to the Russian Fisheries Company, Russia's largest fishing company, significantly underperforming its initial plans, according to some...

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Commercial Sockeye Opening Kicks off 2026 Wild BC Salmon Season in Barkley Sound

Commercial salmon harvesters are heading to Barkley Sound near Port Alberni as British Columbia’s 2026 Wild BC Salmon season officially gets underway. The first commercial sockeye opening of the year begins June 9, marking an early milestone for the province’s fishing industry.

The opening is fueling renewed optimism across the coast, with forecasts stronger than they have been in years. An estimated 7.5 million Fraser River sockeye are expected to return in 2026, making it the largest forecast run...

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ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Price Spreads Reach Historical Extremes Across Product Segments

Price differentials between shrimp segments have reached notable levels, warranting examination in their historical context. Current spread analysis reveals significant deviations from established patterns across multiple product categories.

The spread between EZ Peel (Asia) and HLSO (Latin America) has reached a record high at $4.82 versus $3.81, representing a differential that exceeds historical ranges. Meanwhile, the spread between PDTO and EZ Peel had approached record lows but has since recovered to $5.38 versus $4.82, or $0.57, appearing to settle within recent historical thresholds...

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NOAA Taps University of New Hampshire to Lead $13.5M Aquaculture Research Push

NOAA has selected the University of New Hampshire to host a new national research hub aimed at strengthening US aquaculture and boosting American seafood competitiveness.

The new NOAA Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) will operate as a five-year cooperative institute, bringing together leading academic, industry and nonprofit partners to advance marine aquaculture science and market development. Roughly $13.5 million will be available in the first year to support research projects once the institute is...

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Norwegian Seafood Council Taps Summer Soccer Spotlight to Boost US Demand for Seafood from Norway

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) is rolling out a national consumer marketing push across the US this summer, timed to "this summer’s biggest international soccer moment." Anchored by a national digital buy, the integrated campaign aims to raise awareness of Seafood from Norway and position it at the intersection of health, sports and shared dining moments.

The timing is deliberate; NSC says the campaign will help retailers, restaurants and suppliers engage shoppers and diners looking for premium, provenance-driven...

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Canada Secures New Seafood Export Openings Across Five Global Markets

Canada is expanding export opportunities for its fish, seafood and aquatic products sector after securing new and renewed market access in Vietnam, Oman, Brazil, Armenia and Costa Rica. The developments, led by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), are expected to support trade diversification and strengthen the global reach of Canadian exporters.

Among the most significant gains is the restoration of access to Vietnam for chilled and frozen finfish fillets and steaks after the country accepted a Canadian health certificate. The move reopens...

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Nissui Joins NAPA, Adding Global Weight to Calls for Science‑Based Atlantic Fisheries Management

Global seafood giant Nissui has joined the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA), strengthening industry pressure on coastal states to restore sustainable management of key Northeast Atlantic fish stocks.

Founded in 2020, NAPA is an international collaboration of seafood companies across retail, food service, processing, aquaculture and feed. Its 55 members are working to restore Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic Scandian herring and blue whiting—stocks that have lost certification since 2019 due to persistent overfishing and...

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House Committee Advances Trade Crime Legislation as Trump Signs Customs Enforcement Order

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the bipartisan "Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes (PAIL) Act" (H.R. 1869) last week by a 23-0 vote, while President Trump signed an Executive Order strengthening US customs law enforcement on the same day.

The PAIL Act, introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) with 42 co-sponsors, would establish a Justice Department task force to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes. The task force would increase investigations of trade fraud while providing advanced training to Homeland...

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Nueva Pescanova Adds Modern Freezer Vessel to Namibian Fleet

Grupo Nueva Pescanova has acquired the freezer vessel Olupale for its NovaNam subsidiary in Namibia, reinforcing the Spanish company's investment in African fishing operations.

The 59.82-meter vessel features a 900-cubic-meter hold capacity and can accommodate up to 66 crew members. Built in 2024 but not yet operational, the Olupale will primarily target hake processing with the capacity to catch and process up to 2,500 tons of finished product annually.

Nueva Pescanova acquired the vessel from Mar de Arbo SL to replace the Mar del Cabo...

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Murray Cod Australia Names Kelly Sperl as CFO and Company Secretary

Murray Cod Australia Ltd has appointed Kelly Sperl as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and company secretary, effective June 22, as the ASX-listed premium food company looks to strengthen its financial and operational leadership.

Sperl brings more than 25 years of finance experience across ASX-listed, private and family-owned businesses. She has held senior finance leadership roles at Foster's Group, STIHL Australia, Bakers Delight, Gale Pacific and PaperlinX. According to the company, her background spans financial management, treasury, business transformation, manufacturing operations, ERP...

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Cousins Maine Lobster Returns to South Texas as Touring Strategy Drives Growth

Cousins Maine Lobster's food truck tour is an out-of-the-box marketing strategy that was first introduced in 2020 by franchisee Chris Papp. The initiative allows the brand to test new markets while building awareness and connecting directly with customers.

Today, the fast-casual seafood company announced its latest tour, which will return to South Texas. The food truck is scheduled to make stops in Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, Rockport, and Victoria, offering its full menu of fresh Maine lobster dishes, including its...

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ANALYSIS: Tight Pacific Halibut Supply Conditions Continue to Shape the Market

The Pacific halibut market has remained firm through the early months of the 2026 season, with prices holding near the elevated levels reached at the close of 2025. Support continues to come from an exceptionally tight supply outlook, as the 2026 coastwide quota of 29.33 million pounds represents the lowest total allowable catch in the fishery’s more than 100-year history. Even so, signs of price fatigue have begun to surface, as buyers show greater resistance to historically high Pacific halibut values...

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Half of US Seafood Consumers Say Oceans Can Still be Saved, MSC Survey Finds

Half of US seafood consumers believe the world’s oceans can be saved from irreparable damage over the next 20 years, according to new consumer research commissioned by the Marine Stewardship Council.

The findings, released for World Ocean Day, are part of a GlobeScan survey of more than 20,500 seafood consumers globally and point to rising optimism and stronger engagement with sustainability claims in the US market.

Among US respondents, 51% said they believe the oceans will be saved from irreparable damage within...

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ASMI Enhances Processing Capacity in Southeast Asia for Alaska’s Seafood Industry

Since 2024, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has been providing the state’s seafood processors with opportunities to use re-processing services in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. The program is funded in part by the federal Emerging Markets Program (EMP), a part of the Marketing Access Program in the US Department of Agriculture.

In 2024, ASMI hosted technical training seminars in Southeast Asia to enhance processing capacity by assessing local seafood processors. After a successful first year of identifying and establishing partners with the capacity to reprocess Alaska...

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United Taps Chef’s Table and 11 Global Chefs to Redefine Polaris Inflight Dining

United Airlines is sharpening its premium product strategy with a new chef-driven dining program for Polaris international business class, launching August 1 in partnership with Chef’s Table, the Emmy Award–winning brand behind the Netflix series. The rollout introduces 30 new dishes across select long-haul routes, developed by 11 chefs from four continents and paired with exclusive inflight storytelling.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all menu, each chef designed a three-course experience inspired by the United...

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The Crab Market's Next Test: Can Demand Absorb the Coming Snow Crab Surge?

The global crab market is entering a more compressed phase in 2026, where production is no longer the primary concern. The challenge has shifted toward timing, distribution, and the industry's ability to move volume through increasingly selective consumer channels. While overall supply remains available across several key producing regions, the normal seasonal flow of product is becoming disrupted, creating the potential for sales compression later in the year.

The most immediate example is Canadian snow crab. Despite another large quota and strong harvest potential, weather delays...

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South Carolina's Mace Introduces SHRIMP Act to Combat Shrimp Fraud with Chemical Testing

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the SHRIMP Act on June 5, directing federal agencies to develop portable, chemical testing technology that can identify the country of origin of shrimp imports.

The legislation represents another push by Gulf Coast lawmakers to target foreign shrimp competition, following the House passage of the bipartisan Save Our Shrimpers Act in May by a 391-18 margin.

Mace's SHRIMP (Shrimp Honesty and Responsibility in Import Monitoring Protocols) Act would task NOAA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, working with...

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The Retail Rundown: Father’s Day Grill Deals Heat Up as Inflation Pressures Mount

Father’s Day, the second major grilling occasion of the summer season, is less than two weeks away and serves as a promotional bridge between Memorial Day and Independence Day.

With just 11 days remaining until the holiday, grocers are merchandising a wide assortment of meat, poultry, seafood, and complementary food items aimed at outdoor cooking and family gatherings.

Retailers are competing not only with one another for Father’s Day meal spending, but also with restaurants as they seek to encourage consumers to celebrate at home...

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Captain D's Eyes Western Europe Expansion with Master Franchise Push in Spain, Portugal and France

Captain D's, the leading U.S. fast-casual seafood franchise, is taking its European ambitions to the next level this summer. Senior Vice President of International Operations and Development Hair Parra will travel to Spain, Portugal and France from June 15 through July 1 to meet with prospective franchise partners looking to develop the brand across Western Europe.

The visit marks the company's next move after recently securing a 20-unit development agreement in the United Kingdom. During the trip, Parra will meet...

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ASMI Launches UK Campaign Tying Wild Salmon Season to New Seattle-London Flight Route

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has rolled out its "First Flight, First Catch" campaign in the UK market, leveraging the new daily Alaska Airlines service between Seattle and London Heathrow to promote the availability of fresh wild Alaska salmon.

The multi-faceted campaign coincides with the opening of Alaska's commercial salmon harvest and includes partnerships with Whole Foods Market featuring in-store demonstrations by fisherman Thea Thomas, a media and trade supper club event at London's historic Fishmonger's Hall, and targeted influencer and social media outreach...

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