It seems that sashimi consumption in Japan has got some competition from various other products, like eel. Although there was good demand for sashimi tuna during the Obon festival in mid-August, the outlook now is somewhat slower. The Japanese consumer now seems to buy the cheaper cuts from skipjack rather than the more expensive bluefin and bigeye.
While consumption of sashimi and sushi has increased significantly in other markets, such as the USA, western Europe and Russia, demand is expected to slow, or consumers will move toward cheaper tuna alternatives.
