Fish exports in the first quarter of 2011 and 2012. (Photo: Senasa/FIS)

Fish exports fell in the first quarter

ARGENTINA
Monday, April 30, 2012, 01:50 (GMT + 9)

In the first three months of 2012, Argentina exported 77,398 tonnes of fish and shellfish valued at USD 243.4 million, according to statistics from the National Health Service and Food Quality (Senasa).

These figures represent a decrease of 15.1 per cent in volume terms and 9.4 per cent in value compared to those recorded in the same quarter last year, when 91,109 were sold abroad for USD 268.5 million tonnes.

Between January and March 2012, Senasa certified fish exports for about 54,490 tonnes, valued at USD 138.1 million and 22,908 tonnes of shellfish worth USD 105.3 million.

The major export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 24,738 tonnes worth USD 66.7 million.

These figures represent a rise of 6.4 per cent in volume and 5.3 per cent in value over the first three months of 2011, when 23,231 tonnes of hake were sent abroad for USD 63.3 million.

In volume terms, these species were followed by squid (Illex argentinus), with 10,957 tonnes worth USD 26.1 million, that is to say, 6.7 per cent in volume and 12 per cent more in value than in the same quarter of 2011 ( 11,736 tonnes and USD 23.3 million).

Further back were located the exports of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 8,655 tonnes worth USD 46.3 million; of Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), with 5,800 tonnes worth USD 13.5 million; of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) with 2,818 tonnes for 6.7 million.

The shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) totalled 2,013 tonnes worth USD 24 million, those of fin rays (Potamotrygon brachyura) amounted to 1,285 tonnes worth USD 3 million, those of pollock (Genypterus blacodes) totalled 1,175 tonnes worth USD 5.5 million, and those of flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) reached 725 tonnes worth USD 3.6 million, among other species.

In the first three months of this year, Spain was located in the first place in terms of volume, with imports of 14,244 tonnes worth USD 51.5 million.

Second was Brazil, with 12,123 tonnes worth USD 35.9 million. Next the US were located with 4,357 tonnes valued at USD 21.2 million, and Italy with 3,710 tonnes worth USD 13.6 million.

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

Print