MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine fisheries exports totalled 550.000 tons in 2008

Argentina's fisheries exports in 2008 reached 550.000 tons valued 1.172 billion US dollars, which represents an increase both in volume and value (2% and 11% respectively) over the previous year according to the latest statistics released by Senasa, the country's food quality control office.

This includes 167.000 tons of squid valued at 143 million US dollars. By items, fish and sea food, 331.000 tons is just below the 337.000 tons of 2007, but the 654 million US dollars was 11% higher than the 588 million of 2007, which means the average ton in 2008 was 228 US dollars higher than the average 1.747 US dollars of the previous year. Hubbsi hake was the main fish item with 127.000 tons, valued at 321 million US dollars with an average ton of 2.531 US dollars. Hoki followed with 26.000 tons, 9% of exports and 53 million US dollars. Croakers follow with 24.000 tons and 23 million US dollars and anchovies 13.000 tons. Regarding molluscs the total was 218.000 tons, 9% over the 200.000 of 2007 with a value of 517 million US dollars compared to the 465 million of the previous year. Squid was the main item with 167.000 tons valued at 143 million US dollars. Shrimp follow with 42.000 tons and 334 million US dollars (7.982 USD the ton); scallops, 9.000 tons valued at 37 million US dollars and king crab, 436 tons, 3 million US dollars.