MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Higher prices spur value of Argentine fisheries exports

The volume of Argentine fish and shellfish exports last year rose 3.2%, but in value posted a significant 17.6% increase over 2007, according to official statistics from the Fisheries Under Secretariat.

Shipments totalled 561,601 tons of fresh and frozen fish, fishmeal and canned seafood while revenue was 1.3 billion US dollars. In terms of volume, squid (Illex argentinus) led total exports last year with 174,084 tons, representing 155.2 million US dollars. Illex volume was up 16.7% and 34.8% in value compared to 2007. Common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) followed in second place with 112,428 tonnes worth 311.5 million USD. Even though shipments fell 15% the decrease was not reflected in export values (0.7% compared to 2007) because of a 17% price-hike. Exports in 2008 of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri)totalled 42,961 tonnes worth 381.2 USD which works out at 8.87 USD per kilo. Shipments volume fell 2.6% while price increased 38.4%, which reflected a 34% increase in export value over 2007. Sales of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus)followed in terms of importance with 28,355 tons worth 56.4 million USD, while those of surimi amounted to 11,146 tons, totalling 42.4 million USD. Value increase was 107.8% and volume, 8.5%. Shipments of fresh water sabalo totalled 12,281 tonnes worth 9.94 million USD. This species registered a 21% drop in export volume and a 9% in value. Statistics also show the ranking of main fish and shellfish exporters: Conarpesa, Alpesca, Solimeno, San Arawa/Sanford, Barillari, Vieira, Mar de las Palma/Argenova, Iberconsa, Moscuzza and Valastro. The list was drafted using state pension fund (AFIP) statistics. (FIS/MP).-