July 23, 2010

Argentina's fish exports show decrease in H1

During the first six months of 2010, Argentina exported 180,769 tonnes of seafood worth US$450.1 million, according to statistics from the National Service for Health and Food Quality (Senasa).

These figures represent a fall of 16.5% in terms of volume and a decline of 9.2% in value compared to those recorded during the same period last year, when 216,275 tonnes were sold abroad for US$495.5 million.

Between January and June, Senasa certified around 140,714 tonnes of fish exports which were valued at US$291.3 million, as well as 40,055 tonnes of shellfish valued at US$158.8 million.

The largest export was common hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 69,306 tonnes being shipped at a value of US$152.8 million.

These figures indicate an increase of 0.9% in volume but a drop in value of 2.4% within the first six months of 2009 (68,680 tonnes and US$156.4 million).

In terms of volume, squid (Illex argentinus) came in second place, with 21,488 tonnes and US$34.3 million exported, i.e. 47.5% less in volume and a drop of 22.1% in value compared to the same period in 2009 (40,863 tonnes and US$44 million).

Lower on the list was shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 14,551 tonnes and US$97.8 million worth of the fish exported; Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), had 11,920 tonnes and US$22.1 million worth of exports, and hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) reached 9,712 tonnes and US$19.1 million.

Shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) totalled 3,691 tonnes and US$25.3 million, the fin ray (Potamotrygon brachyura) reached 3,477 tonnes with a value of US$7.2 million, kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) reached 2,859 tonnes and US$11.6 million and flounder (Paralichthys Patagonicus) was 1,549 tonnes which was worth US$6.5 million, among other species.