Fish is a crucial part of any Chinese New Year’s banquet, representing abundance in the coming year. However, the National Fishermen’s Association is reporting that demand for fish this New Year’s season is even higher than usual.
Head of the association Lin Chi-chang declined to speculate on whether a recent outbreak of bird flu has led people to substitute fish for poultry. However, he acknowledged that demand has been unusually high, saying that supplies of fish and fish products have sold out several days earlier than usual.
Prices for some types of fish, including golden pomfret and sixfinger threadfin, have risen by as much as 20%. Higher prices are hitting more than just those looking to serve fish over the New Year’s holiday. Boxes of fish and seafood products are also sometimes given as gifts during the New Year season. Gift boxes from the Taipei Fishery Marketing Corporation, for instance, will cost shoppers between NT$450-3000 (US$14-95) this year.