MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Magallanes export boom in second quarter

Magallanes region exports increased 36% during the second quarter totalling 245,2 million US dollars, compared to the same period last year.

This represents an additional 64,8 million US dollars over second quarter 2004.

The European Union with 34% has become the main trading partner of Magallanes, followed by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation area 23% and Nafta (North America Free Trade Association) 19,1%.

In numbers this represents 83,7 million US dollars to the EU; 56,4 million to APEC and 46,9 million to Nafta.

However among "Others", trade with Mercosur expanded while it contracted with the Community of Andean Nations.

As to items, basic chemical products lead with methanol sales mainly to South Korea and Holland. Second figures Food and Fisheries concentrated in Japan and Spain. Petroleum and derivates, mainly bunkering given Punta Arenas strategic position in the Magellan Strait comes in third with livestock and wool in fourth place. Buyers are Uruguay, China and Argentina.

Finally, the forestry sector with shipments going mainly to United States and Italy.