MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine seafood exports down in volume but prices much stronger

Hake and squid were the main export items (Photo nuestromar.com)

Argentina’s seafood exports in the first quarter of 2011 totalled 78,493 tons valued at 218 million US dollars which represents a 14.9% in volume (92.220 tons) and 3.3% in value (211 million USD), according to the latest release from the National Service for Food Health and Quality, Senada.

Between January and March 2011, Senasa certified fish exports totalling 62,686 tons, valued at 150.2 million USD and 15,807 tons of shellfish, equivalent to 67.8 million.

The highest export item was hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 21,308 tons equivalent to 58.6 million US dollars. This represents a 38% decline in volume and 18% in value compared to the firs quarter of 2010 with 33.808 tons and 71.4 million USD.

In volume terms behind hake came squid (Illex argentinus), with 9,500 tons for 19.3 million USD which represents a 26.1% drop in volume but a 7.8% increase in value compared to the same quarter a year ago: 12.854 tons and 17.9 million USD.

Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) exports reached 8,958 tons and 16.3 million USD; hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), 5,974 tons and 13 million USD, and fin ally shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), 4,248 tons and 28.1 million USD.

Shipments of Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) amounted to 1,612 tons, equivalent to 16.6 million USD; golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) 1,260 tons and 6 million USD; ray fins (Potamotrygon brachyura) 1,244 tons and 2. 6 million USD; flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus) totalled 857 tons valued at 4.2 million USD, among other species.

As happened at the end of last year Brazil became Argentina’s best customer for fish exports totalling 15,827 tons valued at 46.8 million USD. Spain was displaced to second place with 10,486 tons and 32.5 million USD. United States acquired 3,948 tons for 25.7 million USD and Italy 3,644 tons equivalent to 13.1 million USD. (FIS/MP).-