April 26, 2011
 

Argentine seafood exports decrease although values stay constant

Although Argentina exported 78,493 tonnes of seafood at US$218 million from January to March 2011, these data show a decrease of 14.9% in quantity and an increase of 3.3% in value as compared to those recorded in the same quarter last year, according to statistics from the National Service for Food Health and Quality (Senasa).

Between January and March 2011, Senasa certified fish exports totalled around 62,686 tonnes for US$150.2 million and 15,807 tonnes of shellfish for US$67.8 million.

The highest records were seen in the export of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 21,308 tonnes worth US$58.6 million.

These figures represent a decline of 38% in volume and 18% in value compared to the first three months of 2010, when 33,808 tonnes of hake were sent abroad for US$71.4 million.

In terms of volume, in second place was squid (Illex argentinus), with 9,500 tonnes worth US$19.3 million, a 26.1% drop in volume and a 7.8% rise in value in comparison to the same quarter in 2010.

These positions were followed by the exports of Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchoita), with 8,958 tonnes worth US$16.3 million; hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), with 5,974 tonnes for US$13 million; and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 4,248 tonnes for US$28.1 million.

Shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) amounted to 1,612 tonnes worth US$16.6 million; those of golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) reached 1,260 tonnes worth US$6 million; those of ray fins (Potamotrygon brachyura) accounted for 1,244 tonnes for US$2.6 million; and those of flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) totalled 857 tonnes worth US$4.2 million, among other species.

As in the previous two months, Spain was ousted by Brazil in the first quarter of 2011, which imported a total of 15,827 tonnes worth US$46.8 million.

Spain is ranked second in terms of volume with 10,486 tonnes worth US$32.5 million. Spain was followed by the US with 3,948 tonnes for US$25.7 million and by Italy with 3,644 tonnes worth US$13.1 million.