US wholesale prices for frozen, warm water lobster tails dropped in week 51, while cold water prices were stable, according to Undercurrent News' assessment published on Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

The recently narrowing spread with cold water tails has made warm water less of a value, exerting a bit of pressure on the top side of the quotations.

Sellers are finding somewhat of a base now as prices follow seasonal trends softer but could stabilize with new year replenishment and lower inventories into the end of the season. 

Cold water tails

Movement remained good, even for a pre-holiday week where the pace slows after much of the procurement is complete. As a result, prices remained at current levels. While offerings are in the market, inventory is paired into the off-season and is mostly balanced. 

The catch in Canada's LFA 34 catch appears poor. The catch in LFA 33 is somewhat mixed, and there are reports of quality issues there as well. 

Meat

Meat prices have resumed their upward trajectory behind sustained sales amid limited offerings. Replacement is tough, and there are ongoing concerns about supply risk until the new season in May. 

US imports 

Below, you can see the latest US imports for frozen lobster (top), frozen meat (second) and frozen Caribbean/spiny lobster (third).