Japan's salmon and trout cold-storage stocks fall below 60,000 tonnes for the first time at end-August, hitting a record low

Tokyo, Japan — As of end-August 2026, total cold-storage salmon and trout stocks in Japan fell below 60,000 tonnes for the first time, hitting a record low for the category since statistics began. The level broke the low recorded just one month earlier, in July 2026. According to an analysis by specialist seafood media Suisan Keizai Shimbun based on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' cold-storage seafood statistics, the decline reflects a continued contraction in raw material inflows into Japan's main cold-storage facilities.

Statistics released by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on October 30, 2026 show that as of end-August 2026, total seafood holdings in Japan's main cold stores stood at 766,420 tonnes, down 8% from the same month in 2025. In August 2026 alone, inbound volume was 203,784 tonnes while outbound shipments to commercial channels were 231,837 tonnes, resulting in a net drawdown in stocks. Frozen seafood holdings were 625,466 tonnes, down 10% year on year. Against this backdrop of overall inventory contraction, the combined salmon and trout category falling below its historical inventory floor became the most closely watched item.

The inventory contraction comes at a critical point for Japan's salmon and trout supply chain. Domestically, landings and catches of Hokkaido autumn salmon (chum salmon) remain sluggish, limiting the availability of domestic fresh and frozen raw material. Overseas, the import side continues to face logistical friction and rising procurement costs. The November 2026 market report published by Japanese seafood trading house Suiken noted that delays in imported cargo arrivals did not ease throughout October 2026, while prices at origin rose sharply. Suiken also noted a marked supply shortage of processed Atlantic salmon and trout products, with many buyers struggling to secure sufficient volumes under their usual purchasing plans. The company said additional container arrivals are expected in the second half of November 2026, but whether they can cover year-end demand remains highly uncertain.

The drawdown in stocks is intensifying competition for raw material among importers, wholesalers and secondary processors, with forward purchasing to lock in spot supply accelerating. The inventory shortfall directly affects core categories such as frozen cuts and fillets, processed products for sushi and sashimi, and prepared items for retail and foodservice channels. The actual direction of wholesale and retail prices in Japan will depend on the pace of overseas container arrivals, the performance of the domestic autumn salmon catch, and consumer acceptance of prices.