MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Less hake volume and lower squid prices hit Argentine exports

Argentina fisheries exports dropped in volume and value in 2007 according to the latest release from the country's Nacional Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA). Exports totaled 505.794 tons of fish and shellfish valued 1,027 billion US dollars which is 13% and 14% below 2006.

Decreasing availability of common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) and sliding prices for squid (Illex argentinus) and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) help to explain the 2007 decline. Common hake export totalled 145.166 tons, valued at 309.2 million US dollars. Shrimp overseas sales amounted to 45.749 tons, equivalent to 291.4 million US dollars. Squid exports in 2007 reached 145.575 tons valued at 117.8 million US dollars, SENASA reported. Hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) 20,930 tons and 35.7 million US dollars; whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) 30,257 tons and 23.8 million US dollars; Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) 13,582 tons and 19.9 million US dollars and golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) 8.565 worth 30.1 million US dollars. Further down the ranking in terms of export volume and value were Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) which 8,383 tons valued at 50.8 million US dollars; short-tailed river stingray fins (Potamotrygon brachyura) 7,603 tons and 15.1 million; striped weakfish (Cynoscion striatus) 10.262 tons and 17.3 million, and Patagonian flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) 2,989 tons and 10.3 million US dollars. Spain was Argentina's main customer for fishery exports with 134,430 tons worth 342 million US dollars. Runner up was Italy with 35,822 tons valued 111.8 million US dollars and Brazil, 48,400 tons totaling 105.2 million US dollars. Other important markets were, United States with 24,337 tons valued 72.4 million US dollars; France, 15,577 tons and 52.7 million US dollars; China, 47,952 tons and 37.1 million US dollars and Japan with 19,695 tonnes valued 35.7 million US dollars. (FIS)