Squid processing line. (Photo: Stock File)

Seafood exports fall despite squid rally

ARGENTINA
Monday, August 27, 2012, 23:10 (GMT + 9)

Argentina exported 208,999 tonnes of fish and shellfish valued at USD 627 million in the first seven months of 2012, according to statistics from the National Health and Food Quality Service (Senasa).

These figures represent an 11 per cent fall in volume and 9.8 per cent in value, compared to those recorded in the same period last year, when 234,650 tonnes had been sold overseas for USD 695 million.

Between January and July, Senasa certified fish exports for around 128,699 tonnes, valued at USD 322.5 million, and 80,300 tonnes of shellfish with a value of USD 304.5 million.

The largest export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 57,815 tonnes worth USD 152.1 million. These figures indicate a 15.7 per cent decline in volume and an 18.8 per cent fall in value over the first seven months of 2011 (68,527 tonnes and USD 187.3 million).

In terms of volume, in second place was the squid (Illex argentinus), with 50,611 tonnes worth USD 120.8 million, that is to say, a 29.6 per cent growth in volume and a 51.7 per cent rise in value compared to the same period of 2011 (39.039 tonnes and USD 79.6 million).

Exports of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 23,643 tonnes worth USD 130.1 million; those of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), with 10,430 tonnes worth USD 25.3 million; and those of anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), with 7,073 tonnes worth USD 16.6 million were located further back.

The shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) totalled 3,102 tonnes worth USD 35.9 million; those of stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) reached 2,825 tonnes worth USD 6.7 million; those of kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) totalled 2,361 tonnes for USD 11.3 million; and those of flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) reached 1,423 tonnes worth USD 7.2 million, among other species.

Spain remained the main destination for Argentinean fish and shellfish by purchasing approximately 45,393 tonnes worth USD 163.5 million between January and July 2012.

In second place was Brazil, with 19,468 tonnes worth USD 59.3 million; then the United States with 12,149 tonnes valued at USD 49.7 million; and behind was Italy with 10,717 tonnes worth USD 40.2 million.

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

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