MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina: Fish exports continue to notably decline

Argetnine exported 132.847 tons of fish and shellfish worth 261 million US dollars during the first four months of the year, according to statistics released by the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA). These figures represent a 19.7%drop in volume and a 15.6% drop in value compared to the same four-month period in 2007, when 165.441 tons, worth 309 million US dollars were exported.

Between January and April, SENASA certified fish exports for around 91,764 tons, worth USD 197.3 million, and 41,083 tonnes of shellfish worth USD 63.9 million. Common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) was the fish most exported with 40,515 tonnes valued at USD 97.6 million. Squid (Illex argentinus) exports of 35,486 tonnes valued at USD 31.7 million was the second fish most exported, then hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) with 10,209 tonnes valued at 18 million; and Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) with 9,190 tonnes worth USD 15.5 million. Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) exports followed next with 3,059 tonnes worth USD 21.1 million; golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) exports of 2,527 tonnes worth USD 10.5 million; Patagonian scallops (Zygochlamys patagonica) exports of 2,277 tonnes worth USD 9.5 million; short-tailed river stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) exports of 2,047 tonnes worth USD 4.8 million; and sole (Paralichthys patagonicus) exports of 1,312 tonnes worth USD 5.7 million, among other species. Spain remained the number one market for Argentine fish and shellfish in acquiring almost 36,403 tonnes worth USD 61.1 million between January and April. The second most important market was Brazil with purchases of 15,567 tonnes worth USD 39.9 million; followed by Italy with 9,312 tonnes valued at USD 22.9 million; and the United States with 5,681 tonnes worth USD 18.7 million. (FIS)