February 1, 2012

Argentina's 2011 seafood export volume down, value up

Argentina exported 424,034 tonnes of seafood for US$1,365.6 million in 2011, down 1.6% in volume but up 13.2% in value, compared to the previous year, when 430,894 tonnes were sold abroad worth US$1,205.3 million.

Between January and December 2011, National Health Service and Food Quality (SENASA) certified fish exports by about 288,844 tonnes, valued at US$706.6 million as well as 135,190 tonnes of seafood valued at US$659 million.

The largest export record is hake, with 132,673 tonnes worth US$366.5 million, down 13% in volume and a rise of 5.7% in value compared to 2010 (152,427 tonnes and US$346.7 million).

In terms of volume, shrimp is second-placed at 76,533 tonnes worth US$454.7 million, that is to say 25.4% in volume and 9.2% in value in 2010 (60,991 tonnes and US$416.1 million).

Further back are squid exports, with 49,612 tonnes worth US$109.9 million, hoki with 22,934 tonnes worth US$53.8 million, and Patagonian anchovy with 12,027 tonnes worth US$23.9 million.

Shipments of Patagonian scallop totalled 6,595 tonnes worth US$79.1 million; fin rays, 6,302 tonnes worth US$14 million; pollock, 5,507 tonnes for US$22, 9 million, and those of flounder, 2,500 tonnes worth US$12.8 million, among other species.

Spain remains the main destination of Argentine seafood, acquiring 91,506 tonnes worth US$397.2 million between January and December 2011.

In second place is Brazil, with 50,412 tonnes worth US$149.7 million followed by Italy, with 26,808 tonnes valued at US$117.9 million, and lastly, the US, with 17,573 tonnes worth US$87.3 million.