MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile consolidates lead in fisheries.

Chilean fishery exports increased 14.9% in the first two months of 2004 compare to the same period a year ago totalling 435,5 million US dollars, reports National Association of Fisheries. (SONAPESCA).

In January and February some 208,477 tonnes were exported, representing a 15.8% increase compared to 2003, when overseas sales reached 180,037 tonnes. SONAPESCA statistics reveal the value of frozen export products increased 37.8% to 261,2 million US dollars. Frozen exports grew 26.1% totalling 17,6 million US dollars. Fresh refrigerated fish exports reached 79,7 million US dollars equivalent to a 3.6% over 2003.

Sales of fishmeal registered a 5% decrease to 39,8 million US dollars compared to 40,3 million US dollars last year. Canned fish increased 45,5%, totalling 15,6 million US dollars.

A report from the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO) also shows that Chile caught 1.3 million tonnes of fish in the first three months of this year and leads as main exporter of fishmeal and oil. Peru ranks second with 717.595 tonnes, followed by Iceland's 508.099 tonnes and Norway with 361,206 tonnes.

According to the general manager for SONAPESCA, Cristian Jara, forecasts for the local fishery sector indicate export growth ranging 10/12% in 2004. However some businessmen fear that the expansion could be adversely affected by the increase in maritime freight of almost 200%. This is particularly true for shipments to China and Taiwan. (FIS/MP).