Markets, Supplies and Trading Patterns

Abstract

One of the fascinating characteristics of the international salmon business is the complexity of its trading patterns. The purpose of this chapter is to attempt to identify these main trading flows world-wide and to indicate how they have been changing through time. The analysis starts with harvesting patterns and this is followed by an investigation of the major markets for canned, fresh, frozen and smoked salmon. One cautionary point however must be noted at the outset. The quality of statistical data available from the United States and Canada is high but gaps remain even with this data, while statistical data relating to other countries ranges from less than adequate to virtually non-existent. The data available does make it possible to build up a broad picture of the structure of the international marketing system but figures throughout should be regarded as indicative rather than precise. There are also often considerable time lags before data is available so that although 1985 or 1984 data is used wherever possible, it is sometimes necessary to rely on data from earlier years.