April 25, 2014

Argentina's seafood export up 6.2% in Q1 2014

Between January and March 2014, Argentina exported 79,188 tonnes of seafood, an increase of 6.2% over the same period of 2013, when 74,519 tonnes were shipped abroad.

In the first quarter of this year 48,311 tonnes of fish were exported, 9% less than in the same period in 2013 (53,071 tonnes), according to statistics from the National Health and Food Quality Service (SENASA).

The data provided by the entity revealed that in the first three months of 2014 a total of 30,877 tonnes of seafood was also exported, 43.9% more than in the same period last year, when 21,448 tonnes were sold abroad.

The highest export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 23,743 tonnes, representing a decrease of 5.8% compared to 25,182 tonnes in the first quarter of 2013.

It was followed by shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 17,114 tonnes, 117.6% more than during the first three months last year (7,863 tonnes), and squid (Illex argentinus), with 10,786 tonnes, 1.3% less than during the same period last year (10,919 tonnes).

Among the resources that increased their shipments abroad is the Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica), whose sales rose 0.5%, from 1,946 tonnes in the period between January and March of 2013 to 1,956 tonnes in the same period of 2014.

More stingrays (Potamotrygon brachyura) were exported, changing from 828 tonnes to 1,255 tonnes (51.5%).

The species recording declines when comparing the first quarter of 2014 to that last year were: white croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) - 20.7% (from 5,150 to 4,087 tonnes); patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) - 1.2% (from 4,209 to 4,160 tonnes); kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) - 18.5% (from 639 to 521 tonnes); Hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) - 30.6% (from 3,059 to 2,124 tonnes); Trout (Cynoscion striatus) - 74.7% (from 2,661 to 1,674 tonnes).

This article is made possible through the contribution of www.fis.com.