Last year, Argentina sent abroad 504,165 tonnes of fish and shellfish, a figure that shows an increase of 17 per cent compared to 2012, when 431,668 tonnes were exported, the National Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture informed.
According to data provided by the Directorate of Fisheries Economy based on customs statistics, in 2013 the total exports of fishery products generated a revenue of USD 1,501.8 million, 13 per cent more than in 2012 (USD 1,332.5 million).
Of the total export volume, 133,082 tonnes were squid (Illex argentinus), 92 per cent more than in 2012, when 69,424 tonnes were shipped abroad.
Hake (Merluccius hubbsi) came in second place, with 117,802 tonnes, representing an increase of 4 per cent from the previous year (112,800 tonnes).
In third position was shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 91,121 tonnes, which showed a rise of 17 per cent, compared with 2012 record (78,099 tonnes).
In terms of increased value, squid stands out: In 2013, it generated USD 235.4 million compared with USD 156.5 million in 2012, that is to say, 50 per cent more.
The value of shrimp exports also rose by 29 per cent, from USD 476 million to USD 614.9 million.
In contrast, exports of hake experienced a decline of 2 per cent, from USD 293.3 million in 2012 to USD 286.2 million in 2013.
Spain was the main destination of Argentine fishery products. It acquired 100,484 tonnes worth USD 422.5 million in 2013, while in the previous year it imported 85,051 tonnes for USD 379.9 million.
China ranked second with 70,046 tonnes worth USD 140.4 million (USD 40,718 tonnes for USD 81 million in 2012).
Brazil comes in third position, with 38,768 tonnes for USD 113.1 million (in 2012 the country imported 34,607 tonnes valued at USD 108.2 million).
The Undersecretariat of Fisheries highlighted that China, which was the sixth major importer of Argentine sea products in 2012, became the third largest importer in 2013.
The official report also notes that Brazil was the main buyer of Argentine hake in 2013: It acquired 26,213 tonnes worth USD 78.3 million.
Spain was the largest market for Argentine shrimp, with 41,891 tonnes worth USD 278.1 million, and China led squid importers, purchasing 49,033 tonnes valued at USD 73.5 million.
1995 – 2014 Fish Info & Services Co.Ltd