MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile seaweed exports net 209 million dollars in nine months

The total volume of products derived from seaweed exported in the three quarters reached 5,385 tons, representing a 27.7% increase compared with 2014.

Seaweed exports from Chile reached 209 million dollars in the first nine months of the year, which is 16.4% below the same period in 2014.According to the latest Boletín de Exportaciones Pesqueras y de Acuicultura de Chile, (Fisheries and Aquaculture exports report) prepared by the Economy Department of the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), the contribution of these products to total income received from the sector's exports was 5%.

 The total volume of products derived from seaweed exported in the three quarters reached 5,385 tons, representing an increase of 27.7% compared with the same period marketed in 2014.

Meanwhile, the average FOB price of total seaweed products exported in January-October period reached USD 3,264 a ton, 6.6% less than the same period last year. The main client for Chilean seaweed is China.

Regarding the amounts traded, the main products based on algae, exported in order of importance, were dried seaweed (89.0%), carrageenan (6.9%) and agar agar (2.3%).

Income earned in the period from January to October placed exports of dried seaweed in the ranking first place with a 41.5% share. Following was Carrageenan with a contribution of 30.0% and agar agar, with a share of 18.9%. (FIS)