MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay fish exports increase 20% in volume totalling 236 million dollars in 2011

Croaker and hake among the main species exported

Uruguay fish exports increased 20% in volume and the average ton price 22%, with Brazil, China and Nigeria as the main markets during the twelve months of 2011, according to a release from the country’s Aquatic Resources Department, Dinara.

The species most traded were white-mouth croaker, hake, blue shark, sea trout, squid and deep-sea red crab.

Total fisheries exports last year reached 102.478 tons equivalent to 236 million dollars, with an average ton price of 2.305 dollars. This compares favourably to the 85.601 tons and 193.4 million dollars in 2010 with an average ton value of 2.259 dollars.

Brazil was the main market for Uruguay fish exports with 20.728 tons and 51 million dollars; Nigeria followed with 18.751 tons and 32.75 million dollars; China 10.000 tons and 19.8 million dollars; Italy, 7.026 tons and 30.6 million dollars; Cameroon, 6.641 tons and 10 million tons and Spain with 3.801 tons and 13.37 million dollars.

“This means 2011 has been a good year for the fishing industry with a 22.15% increase in the volume exported and 19.71% in value” said Daniel Gilardoni head of DINARA.