September 4, 2014

Chile's salmon exports may see triple growth to Russia

Salmon producers in Chile may witness a triple growth in frozen exports to Russia as a result of a retaliation of sanctions between the Federation and Western nations. 

"Chile should sell Russia between 2,500 and 3,000 tonnes monthly, and with this opening, we estimate that monthly closings should be about 7,000 to 8,000 tonnes," a Chilean salmon entrepreneur said.

In addition, SUBPESCA Aquaculture's manager, José Miguel Burgos, said that Chile is working with Russia to establish guarantees for health certification for fishery products.

Camanchaca's general manager, Ricardo García, considers that the current Ukraine-Russia regional crisis opens the opportunity for the Chilean industry to boast the quality of their product and reliability as a supplier.

In 2013, Empresas AquaChile delivered salmon for US$57 million and Salmones Cupquelan, at US$31 million. Granja Marina Tornagaleones, Los Fiordos and Salmones Antarctica exported products for US$24 million, US$17 million and US$15 million, respectively.

At present, frozen salmon (whole gutted) price in Russia ranges between US$5.6/kg and US$5.9/kg, and US$7 – US$7.2, the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA) stated. These values would imply a jump of almost 25% on the amount paid by Russian buyers.

In Russia, about 20,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon and trout, mostly from Norway and Scotland, are consumed monthly. The volume represents about 10% of the world salmon market.