Chilean salmon exports slump almost 20% in 2009

The Chilean salmon industry exported US$2.29 billion in 2009, representing a 19.76% decrease compared with the US$2.75 billion exported in the previous year.

Recent National Customs Service's data figures showed a 27.33% decrease in Atlantic salmon exports from US$1.41 billion in 2009 to US$1.03 billion in 2008; and a 23.42% drop in Rainbow trout from US$972.9 million to US$745.0 million.

An inter-annual comparison of results itemised by specie also showed a 26.13% increase in Coho salmon exports from US$338.3 million to US$426.7 million. Lastly, export of not specified salmonids worth US$6.2 million in 2009, represented a 72.87% decrease compared with 2008 results.

According to the National Fisheries Service (Subpesca) harvests of salmonids decreased 35% between January and November of 2009 compared with the same period of the previous year.

The value of Chilean seafood exports decreased 6.8% on-year to US$3.463 billion from January to November, while volumes rose 9.2% to 1.2 million tonnes during January to September.