{
  "id": 7060994,
  "title": "Mackerel slips out of reach in Japan as import prices more than triple in 5 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/mackerel-slips-out-of-reach-in-japan-as-import-prices-more-than",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T04:00:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260910/p2a/00m/0bu/032000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "TOKYO - Mackerel, a traditional staple in Japanese cuisine, is rapidly becoming unaffordable for everyday consumers. Since the start of the year, import prices have surged more than threefold. Norwegian producers have tightened catch restrictions amid a global shortage, while Japan's weak yen exacerbates the issue. At Tokyo's Benny supermarket, the price of a fillet rose from around 300 yen (approximately $2) to 500 yen (about $3.30) in just five years. The import price of frozen Norwegian mackerel reached 885 yen (about $5.80) per kilogram in May, up 1.5 times from the previous year and more than three times the level five years prior. Yohei Inami, a seafood company manager, notes that prices have risen at an unprecedented pace. Japan relies heavily on Norwegian imports, with over half of its mackerel consumption coming from the country. The Norwegian government has reduced catch quotas, with 2026's expected level at less than half of 2025's. Competing countries like South Korea, Eastern Europe, and Africa also vie for the limited supply. The exchange rate further intensifies the impact, with the yen weakening to around 160 against the dollar. This, combined with reduced domestic catches and soaring import prices, could push many seafood processors towards bankruptcy.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- Whether grilled or simmered in miso, mackerel has long been a staple of everyday meals in Japan. Since the beginning of this year, however, p",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}