MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine fisheries exports drop in volume and value

Shrimp led exports in terms of value, with USD 271 million.

Argentine fish and shellfish exports during the first ten months of 2007 dropped 14% in volume and 15% in value compared to the same period a year ago, according to statistics from the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA).

At the end of October exports totalled 465.000 tons valued 897 million US dollars, compared to 541.000 tons and over a billion US dollars in 2006. The shellfish sector suffered the greatest fall: exports slipped 11% in volume and 27% in value. The SENASA report states that year from January to October, 186.000 tons of shellfish were exported compared to last year's 209.000 tons. In value terms 430 million US dollars against the 589 million of the same time period a year ago. Squid totalled 136.000 tons worth 110 million US dollars; shrimp 271 million US dollars for nearly 42,000 tons. The average export price fetched 6.364 per ton this year nearly half of last year's 12.000 US dollars per ton. Scallops exports reached 46 million US dollars for 7.000 tons. Regarding fish, export volumes fell 16% but their value only slipped 1%. By the end of October this year, certified fish exports amounted to 279.000 tons, while during the same period last year, 332.000 tons were exported. Higher international prices helped compensate to an extent the drop in volume, 468 million US dollars compared to 471 million in the first ten months of 2006. Common hake (Merluccius hubbsi)continued to lead Argentine fish exports with 117.000 tons and 230 million US dollars. The average ton price was 1.957 US dollars. In volume terms white-mouth croaker was second with exports of 26.000 tons valued at 22 million US dollars. Hoki strong prices also helped compensate for lower export volumes with the ton reaching an average 1.654 US dollars. Total exports reached 19.000 tons and 31 million US dollars. Exports of 12.000 tons of anchovy fetched 18 million US dollars; golden kinclip and stingray sales totalled 26 and 17 million US dollars.