MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean salmon and trout exports keep expanding

Chilean salmon and trout exports reached 903.1 million US dollars during the first seven month of 2005, a 10% increase over the same period in 2004, according to statistics from the Salmon Industry Association AG (SalmonChile). Export volume on the other hand expanded 3% to 215,636 tons.

Main markets for Chilean farmed salmon are United States, 37% and 331 million US dollars; Japan 36% and 321.1 million US dollars; and the EU, 13% and 119.6 million. Atlantic salmon accounted for 64% of the total volume exported during the first seven months, whereas trout represented 22% and coho salmon 14%.

SalmonChile also indicated that salmon and trout shipments to countries included in the 'other markets' category, including Russia, Australia, and China experienced a 46% sales expansion compared to the first seven months of 2004.

"These markets have become very attractive for salmon and trout exports; our industry will be specially focused on them to continue the strong growth tendency", said SalmonChile's president Carlos Vial Izquierdo.

SalmonChile's expects 2005 sales to reach 1,58 billion US dollars which represents a forecasted 10% expansion over 2004. (FIS/MP).-