MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina fisheries exports drop 15% during first quarter

Argentina's fisheries exports in the first quarter totaled 85.320 tons, equivalent to 177 million US dollars which represents a drop of 15%, volume and money; 15.422 tons and 31.7 million US dollars less, according to the latest official release.

The smaller hake quotas and poor prices for squid and shrimp are behind this year's poor performance. However hubbsi hake remains the main export item with 30.896 tons and 74 million US dollars. Squid figures with 11.61 tons and 11 million US dollars. As usual Spain is Argentina's main fisheries client, followed by Brazil, Italy and United States. During the first quarter of 2008, hubbsi hake landings totaled 57.290 tons, 24% less than in the same period last year.