GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Expensive Tuna

The most expensive bluefin tuna ever sold at auction was priced at $3.1 million in Tokyo in January 2019.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

How we write

In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of tuna auctions and the staggering prices that these coveted fish can fetch in markets such as Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. With statistics ranging from record-breaking auction prices to the impact of overfishing on market trends, we will delve into the economics and dynamics behind the trade of these prized bluefin tuna.

Statistic 1

"A 276-kilogram bluefin sold for around $34,000 per kilogram in 2019."

Statistic 2

"At Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market, the price per kilogram of tuna reached $1,200 in January 2001."

Statistic 3

"In 2012, a 222-kilogram bluefin tuna was sold at auction in Tokyo for a record $1.77 million."

Statistic 4

"The average price of a tuna sold at Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market in 2016 was between $10,000 to $20,000."

Statistic 5

"The average price of a sushi-quality bluefin tuna per kilogram in 2016 was around $50."

Statistic 6

"The Pacific bluefin tuna population has decreased by 96% due to overfishing, affecting market prices."

Statistic 7

"In 1986, a bluefin tuna sold for $83,500, which was the record price at that time."

Statistic 8

"When the Tsukiji market was in operation, the first auction of the year traditionally saw high prices as a mark of good luck."

Statistic 9

"The first auction of 2020 saw a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna sell for $1.8 million."

Statistic 10

"Buyers from Hong Kong and Japan often compete for the same fish, driving up prices."

Statistic 11

"In 2001, a sushi restaurant owner in Tokyo paid $173,600 for a 202-kilogram tuna."

Statistic 12

"Bluefin tuna can reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour, adding to its value."

Statistic 13

"On average, a Japanese person consumes around 24.4 kg of tuna every year."

Statistic 14

"The average weight of a bluefin tuna is between 150-200 kilograms."

Statistic 15

"A 400 lb Atlantic Bluefin Tuna may have between 5-25% fat content and is the most prized for sushi and sashimi."

Statistic 16

"In 2018, worldwide catch of bluefin tuna was approximately 42,000 metric tons."

Statistic 17

"Over 80% of the world's bluefin tuna catch is consumed in Japan."

The statistics presented highlight the remarkable fluctuations in prices of bluefin tuna over the years, ranging from a few hundred dollars to record-breaking million-dollar sales at auctions. The significant decline in the Pacific bluefin tuna population due to overfishing has played a crucial role in driving up market prices. The competition between buyers from Hong Kong and Japan further escalates prices, emphasizing the premium value associated with high-quality bluefin tuna for sushi and sashimi. These statistics underscore the complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, environmental impact, cultural traditions, and unique characteristics of bluefin tuna that contribute to its status as one of the most coveted and expensive seafood items worldwide.