September 27, 2012

Argentina's fish and shellfish exports on decline Jan-Aug 2012

For Jan-Aug 2012, Argentina’s fish and shellfish exports traded 241,324 tonnes at US$730.60 million.

According to statistics from the National Health and Quality Service (Senasa), these figures represent a 4.2% drop in volume and 5.5% fall in value compared to those recorded in the same period last year, when 251,859 tonnes had been sold abroad for US$772.7 million.

Between January and August, Senasa certified fish exports for around 151,314 tonnes, valued at US$372.1 million and 90,010 tonnes of seafood with a value of US$358.5 million.

The largest export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 66,768 tonnes worth US$176.5 million, representing a decrease of 4.4% in volume and of 5.4% in value over the first eight months of 2011 (69,795 tonnes and US$186.5 million).

In terms of volume, in second place was squid (Illex argentinus), with 53,453 tonnes worth US$134.2 million, a 29.5% rise in volume and 56.2% increase in value compared to the same period of 2011 (41.268 tonnes and US$85.9 million).

In third place was shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 30,134 tonnes worth US$166.9 million, representing a 12.8% drop in volume and 15.3% fall in value over the same period of 2011 (34,537 tonnes and US$197 million).

Exports of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) were located further back, with 12,148 tonnes worth US$29.1 million; and those of anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), with 7,279 tonnes worth US$17 million.

The shipments of stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) amounted to 3,197 tonnes for US$7.6 million; those of the Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) reached 3,434 tonnes worth US$38.9 million; those of golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) totalled 2,507 tonnes for US$10.6 million; and those of flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) amounted to 1,533 tonnes worth US$8.1 million, among other species.

Spain remained the main destination for Argentine fish and shellfish, since this country purchased approximately 50,253 tonnes worth US$192.6 million between January and August 2012.

In second place was Brazil, with 20,841 tonnes worth US$62.9 million; followed by the US, with 13,457 tonnes valued at US$55.6 million; and further back was Italy, with 12,782 tonnes worth US$49.2 million.