August 27, 2010
 

High prices make up for decline in Argentine seafood exports

During the first seven months of the year, Argentina exported 225,588 tonnes worth of seafood which was valued at US$617.3 million, an on-year decrease of 14.3% in terms of volume but a rise of 1.9% in value, according to statistics from the National Health and Food Quality Service (Senasa).

Between January and July, Senasa certified fish exports for around 170,470 tonnes, valued at US$354.8 million and 55,118 tonnes of shellfish valued at US$262.5 million.

The main export was common hake (Merluccius hubbsi), at a total of 83,929 tonnes for US$186.4 million.

These statistics indicate an increase of 3.1% in volume and 0.9% in value over the first seven months of 2009 (81,383 tonnes and US$184.6 million).

In terms of volume, shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) came in second place, with 27,908 tonnes at a price of US$194.3 million, i.e. 23.3% more in volume and 43.1% more in value than in the same period in 2009 (22,626 tonnes and US$135.7 million).

Ranked behind these were squid (Illex argentinus) with 22,376 tonnes at US$36.3 million; Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchovy) with 12,571 tonnes for US$23.4 million, and hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) reaching 11,784 tonnes at US$24.1 million.

Other shipments include Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) totalling 4,444 tonnes at a price of US$30.2 million, skate (Potamotrygon brachyura) with 4,399 tonnes for US$9.2 million, pollack (Genypterus blacodes) with 3,230 tonnes at US$13 million and flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) with 1,770 tonnes for US$ 7.4 million, among other species.