September 27, 2010

Slight rise in Argentine seafood exports

Argentina exported 264,666 tonnes of seafood for US$732.6 million in the first eight months of 2010, according to statistics from the National Health and Food Quality Service (SENASA).

These figures represent a 12% decrease of volume, and a rise of 5.7% in value compared to those recorded in the same period last year, when 300,610 tonnes were exported for US$692.7 million.

Between January and August, SENASA certified fish exports totaled 198,181 tonnes which were valued at US$405 million, in addition to 66,485 tonnes of molusks worth US$327.6 million.

The largest exports were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 96,175 tonnes for US$211.6 million, an increase of 2.2% in volume and a drop of 0.4% compared to the first eight months of 2009 (94.035 tonnes and US$212.3 million).

In terms of volume, shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) came in second place, with 35,848 tonnes worth US$250.2 million. Which is a 33.2% increase in volume and a 54.6% increase in value compared to 2009 (26,901 tonnes and US$161.8 million).

Ranked behind shrimp were exports of squid (Illex argentinus), with 25,166 tonnes worth US$42 million, Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), with 12,722 tonnes worth US$24 million, and hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) with 14,403 tonnes for US$29.5 million.

Shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) amounted to 4,973 tonnes worth US$33 million; fin rays (Potamotrygon brachyura), 4,827 tonnes worth US$10.3 million; kingclip (Genypterus blacodes), 3,555 tonnes worth US$14 million, and sole (Paralichthys patagonicus) at 1,848 tonnes worth US$7.7 million, among other species.

Spain remained the main destination for Argentine seafood, as they purchased around 54,143 tonnes at a cost of US$243.8 million between January and August 2010.

In second was Brazil, with 40,411 tonnes worth US$102.6 million, followed by Italy, with 19,184 tonnes valued at US$83.6 million. Further behind was America, with 10,986 tonnes worth US$35.3 million.