MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine half year fisheries exports drop 17% in volume

Argentina exported 270,558 tons of fish and shellfish equivalents to 517.5 million US dollars during the first half of 2007. This represents a 17% drop in volume and 8% in value, compared to the same period last year, reported the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA).

The high prices fetched by white fish in the international market compensated slightly for the considerable drop in squid (Illex argentinus) and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri). Sales abroad of common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) were largest in size, amounting to 73,417 tons, that is 147.1 million US dollars. SENASA informed that for the first six months of the year, 20,663 tonnes of shrimp were exported, worth 129.3 million US dollars; 88,713 tons of squid amounting to 75.5 million US dollars and hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) sales of 14,127 tons totalled 23.9 million US dollars. Exports of 5,889 tonnes of golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) brought 20.2 million and 11.454 tons of Argentine anchoita (Engraulis anchoita) 16 million US dollars. Patagonian scallops (Zygochlamys patagonica) 2,935 tonnes and 17.8 million, and whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) totalled 9,618 tonnes for 7.8 million. Additionally 3,928 tons of stingray wings (Potamotrygon brachyura) netted 7.5 million US dollars; South America weakfish (Cynoscion striatus) 3.772 tons and 7.4 million, and sole (Paralichthys patagonicus) 2,125 tonnes equivalent to 7.1 million US dollars. During the first six months of the year Spain continued as Argentina's main trade partner for fish and shellfish taking 87,378 tons valued at 186.9 million US dollars. Brazil follows with 26,308 tons, 56.5 million US dollars; Italy 17,654 tons and United States 11,333 tons valued 33.1 million US dollars. (FIS/MP)