April 19, 2004

Chile Top Fishmeal Exporter In 2003

Chilean fishery exports increased 14.9% in the first two months of 2004 compare to the same period a year ago totaling US$435.5 million, according to Chile's National Association of Fisheries.

In January and February some 208,477 tons were exported, representing a 15.8% increase compared to 2003, when overseas sales reached 180,037 tons. SONAPESCA statistics reveal the value of frozen export products increased 37.8% to US$261.2 million. Frozen exports grew 26.1% totaling US$17.6 million. Fresh refrigerated fish exports reached US$79.7 million equivalent to a 3.6% increase over 2003.

Sales of fishmeal registered a 5% decrease to US$39.8 million compared to US$40.3 million last year. Canned fish increased 45.5%, totaling US$15.6 million.

A report from the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO) also showed that Chile caught 1.3 million tons of fish in the first three months of this year and leads as main exporter of fishmeal and oil. Peru ranks second with 717,595 tons, followed by Iceland's 508,099 tons and Norway with 361,206 tons.

According to the general manager for SONAPESCA, Cristian Jara, forecasts for the local fishery sector indicate export growth ranging 10/12% in 2004. However some businessmen fear that the expansion could be adversely affected by the increase in maritime freight of almost 200%. This is particularly true for shipments to China and Taiwan.