MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean salmon and trout exports up 19% in first quarter

Chile's salmon and trout exports jumped 19% in the first quarter of 2007, compared to the same period a year ago totaling 713 million US dollars according to the latest release from the Chilean Salmon Industry, SalmonChile.

The higher turnover is twofold: higher prices and an increase in volumes shipped. Salmon prices in the first quarter were up 12% and export volume of coho salmon soared 39% and trout, 9%. Japan remains as Chile's main market with 39%, equivalent to 276 million US dollars, and 20% higher than in the first quarter of 2006. Coho salmon and trout make up 96% of sales to Japan. United States comes second having purchased 236 million US dollars, equivalent of 30% of Chilean exports, and a formidable jump of 30% over the same period a year ago. The US absorbed mostly fresh salmon and trout (66%) and 28% frozen, mainly Atlantic salmon