August 20, 2009

Peru seafood product exports totalled US$1.162 billion between January and June, a five-percent decrease over the same period last year when sales generated US$1.223 billion, the Exporters Association (ADEX) reported.

Traditional seafood exports added up to US$886.8 million, down one percent on-year, according to data by the Extractive Fishing Industries Management of ADEX.

Meanwhile, sub-sector exports of non-traditional fish products amounted to more than US$275.8 million between January and June, which marks a 16-percent slide over the same period last year.

In traditional seafood sector exports, fishmeal grew one percent to US$753.9 million.

Export sales of fish fat and fish oils fell 27 percent to US$ 54.8 million. Shipments of fish fat and oils and their derivatives, in turn, grew 61 percent.

Traditional seafood importer nations were led by China, which accounted for US$467.5 million in sales, 11-percent more than in the first half of 2008.

Next was Germany, which fell two percent; Japan, which increased one percent; Vietnam, which dropped 22 percent; Taiwan, which grew 36 percent, and Belgium, which decreased 17 percent, among other countries.

According to information released by ADEX, although non-traditional seafood categories decreased 16 percent through June, exports of cuttlefish, squid and giant squid generated US$54.8 million.

Whole frozen shrimp exports, which accounted for US$7 million in sales, grew 10 percent on-year.

The main markets for this aquaculture product were Spain, US, France, the Netherlands and Guatemala.