August 19, 2014

Argentina sees more potential in seafood exports to Russia

Russia is currently among the top 20 buyers to acquire seafood from Argentina.

According to official data, the country imported 5,646 tonnes of fish, worth US$20 million, from the South American nation in 2013.

While the Ukraine-Russia territorial crisis has leaded to an exchange of sanctions, including Russia's ban on fishery imports from the EU, the US and other Western nations, the recent development has provided business opportunities for Argentina's seafood exporting firms.

"...speed will be essential to gain a market that can favour the fishing activity from our town," said Ciro D'Antonio, the president of the Seafood Exporting Chamber (CAFREXPORT), referring to the town of Mar del Plata. "But we should not forget that this is a unique opportunity to all the food trade from Argentina."

Among the fish exports to Russia, significant purchases include 3,873 tonnes of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), 599 tonnes of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), 294 tonnes of golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes), and 576 tonnes of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri).

D'Antonio stressed that Brazil and Peru are also seeking to take advantage of a new trade framework and increasing their sales to the Russian market.

In the meantime, CAFREXPORT authorities said that they expect open doors with the development of discussions involving the Russian Agricultural Inspection Service and Livestock (SIAG), and parties responsible for a commercial area of the Argentinean Embassy in Russia.

In fact, a delegation of Argentine officials will be departing for Moscow this month, with the inter-ministerial mission headed by the Minister of Industry, Debora Giorgi, the Secretary of International Economic Relations of the Foreign Ministry, Carlos Bianco, and representatives of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Office as well as the Ministry of Economy.