Argentine fish and shellfish exports in tonnes and value for both 2008 and 2009. (Graph: SENASA/FIS)

Fish and shellfish exports wane

ARGENTINA
Thursday, August 20, 2009, 22:20 (GMT + 9)

Argentina exported 262,932 tonnes of fish and shellfish worth USD 605.2 million in the first seven months of 2009, reveal National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) statistics.

These figures indicate a drop of 17.4 per cent and 8 per cent in volume and value, respectively, in terms of the same period of 2008, when 318,375 tonnes worth USD 657.5 million were exported.

SENASA certified nearly 189,798 tonnes of fish exports, worth an estimated USD 387.6 million, and 73,134 tonnes of shellfish exports at a value of USD 217.6 million between January and July 2009.

In terms of volume, common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) exports held first place, with 81,383 tonnes worth USD 184.6 million. These figures represent an increase of 4.8 per cent and a loss of 4.3 per cent, respectively, compared to the 77,638 tonnes worth USD 192.9 million exported through July 2008.

It was followed by squid (Illex argentinus), with 44,425 tonnes worth USD 49.7 million sold, whereas 121,455 tonnes of the resource worth USD 102.4 million were exported in the first seven months of last year. Shipments for the year fell 63.4 per cent in volume and 51.4 per cent in value.

In addition, 22,626 tonnes of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) worth USD 135.7 million, and 19,130 tonnes of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) worth USD 35.9 million were exported.

Ranked further back were exports of Argentine anchoita (Engraulis anchovy), with 8,431 tonnes worth USD 17.2 million; golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes), with 4,548 tonnes worth USD 16 million; and great Atlantic scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica), with 5,559 tonnes valued at USD 29.1 million.

Other exports included some 3,587 tonnes of of stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura), valued at USD 7.6 million; and 1,695 tonnes of Patagonian flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) worth USD 7 million, among other species.

Spain held as the main market for Argentine fish and shellfish exports, in importing 55,057 tonnes worth USD 172.9 million in the first six months of 2009.

Brazil came in second with 34,806 tonnes worth USD 82.1 million; followed by Italy, with 15,872 tonnes valued at USD 49.9 million; and the US, just behind with 12,682 tonnes worth USD 37 million.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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