January 4, 2013

From January-November 2012, Argentina exported 345,069 tonnes of fish and shellfish for US$1,100.6 million.

According to statistics from the National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (SENASA), this represents a decline of 12.9% in volume terms and 14% in value compared to those recorded in the same period last year, when around 396,165 tonnes were sold abroad for about US$1,279.2 million.

Between January and November, SENASA certified fish exports around 218,735 tonnes, valued at US$542.4 million, and 126,334 tonnes of shellfish for US$558.2 million.

The largest export records were for hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 99,844 tonnes worth US$272.2 million. These figures show a 17.3% decline in volume and 18.6% in value over the first 11 months of 2011 (120,702 tonnes and US$334.3 million).

Regarding exported volume, the shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) was in second place, with 62,836 tonnes worth US$355.1 million, that is to say, 13.7% less in volume and 18.4% less in value than the same period in 2011 (72,790 tonnes and US$435.1 million).

Further back were squid (Illex argentinus) exports, with 54,942 tonnes worth US$130.6 million; hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), with 13,478 tonnes worth US$32.4 million, and anchovy (Engraulis anchoita), with 8,189 tonnes worth US$19.7 million.

Shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) totalled 5,369 tonnes worth US$53.4 million; ray fins (Potamotrygon brachyura), 5,088 tonnes worth US$12.4 million; golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes), 3,263 tonnes per US$16.3 million, and flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus), 1,997 tonnes worth US$12.8 million, among other species.

Spain remained the main destination for Argentine fish and shellfish with purchases totalling 72,668 tonnes worth US$299.1 million between January and November 2012.

In second place was Brazil, with 30,445 tonnes worth US$95 million; then the US, with 19,444 tonnes valued at US$82.3 million, and following Italy, with 17,344 tonnes worth US$88.3 million.