MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean salmon and trout exports reach 2.2 billion in 2006

Chilean salmon and trout exports in 2006 totaled 2.207 billion US dollars, up 28% over 2005 according to the Salmon Industry Association, (SalmonChile). United States was the main market for Chilean salmon and trout overtaking Japan.

Shipments to the US included extra-refined processed products such as fillets, portions, slices and other fresh and frozen products from the Atlantic salmon species with a total value of 792 million US dollars. This represents a 31% increase over 2005 and a 36% of total 2006 salmon and trout exports. Japan takes mainly frozen coho salmon and trout. The European Union imported 308 million US dollars, mainly Atlantic salmon, representing 14% of total Chilean salmon and trout exports and a 31% jump over 2005. Germany was the main market in the EU with 162 million US dollars, representing 7.3% of Chilean salmon sales. However the Latin American market proved to be the fastest growing with sales ballooning 77%, compared to 2005, and valued 156 million US dollars, representing 7% of total Chilean exports. Brazil was the main destination in the Latam market with shipments valued 89 million US dollars, equivalent to 57% total exports to the region. Main products shipped were fresh whole salmon (62%), frozen fillets (16%) and frozen whole Atlantic salmon, 9%. (FIS/MP).-