August 28, 2012
Argentina's seafood exports decline in volume and value for first seven months of 2012
Argentina's fish and shellfish exports reach 208,999 tonnes in volume and US$627 million in value during the first seven months of 2012, a 11% and 9.8% decline respectively, compared to those recorded in the same period in 2011.
Between January and July, Senasa certified fish exports for around 128,699 tonnes, valued at US$322.5 million, and 80,300 tonnes of shellfish with a value of US$304.5 million.
The largest seafood export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 57,815 tonnes worth US$152.1 million. These figures indicate a 15.7% decline in volume and an 18.8% fall in value over the first seven months of 2011 (68,527 tonnes and US$187.3 million).
In terms of volume, in second place was the squid (Illex argentinus), with 50,611 tonnes worth US$120.8 million, that is to say, a 29.6% growth in volume and a 51.7% rise in value compared to the same period of 2011 (39.039 tonnes and US$79.6 million).
Exports of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 23,643 tonnes worth US$130.1 million; those of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), with 10,430 tonnes worth US$25.3 million; and those of anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), with 7,073 tonnes worth US$16.6 million were located further back.
The shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) totalled 3,102 tonnes worth US$35.9 million; those of stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) reached 2,825 tonnes worth US$6.7 million; those of kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) totalled 2,361 tonnes for US$11.3 million; and those of flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) reached 1,423 tonnes worth US$7.2 million, among other species.
Spain remained the main destination for Argentinean fish and shellfish by purchasing approximately 45,393 tonnes worth US$163.5 million between January and July 2012.
In second place was Brazil, with 19,468 tonnes worth US$59.3 million, followed by the US with 12,149 tonnes valued at US$49.7 million; and Italy with 10,717 tonnes worth US$40.2 million.
