Spain exported 91,236 tonnes of canned and semi-prepared seafood between January and July this year, a volume that accounts for a decrease of 2.8 per cent over the same period last year (93,864 tonnes).
In the first seven months, sales of canned fish abroad generated EUR 434.3 million in revenue, representing 3.26 per cent more than in the same period in 2012, when EUR 420.6 million was obtained, according to the National Association of Canned Fish and Seafood Manufacturers (Anfaco-Cecopesca).
Canned tuna was the main exported product in the period, with 57,748 tonnes for EUR 304.1 million.
The report issued by Anfaco highlights the 75 per cent increase in exports of canned mackerel, reaching a total of 1,895 tonnes; and 42 per cent rise in the volume of cuttlefish and squid, which reached nearly 8,000 tonnes. The value of these products recorded inter-annual increases of 38.7 per cent (EUR 6.4 million) and 22.1 per cent (EUR 20.8 million), respectively.
Regarding the destination of these exports, the countries of the European Union (EU) were the main buyers of canned and semi-prepared seafood in the first seven months of 2013. Within the European bloc, Italy was the main importer with 27,451 tonnes for EUR 134,6 million.
It was followed by France with 24,006 tonnes for EUR 105.6 million; Portugal with 13,096 tonnes for EUR 58.9 million; and the UK, with 5,218 tonnes for EUR 33.3 million, among other nations.
Outside Europe, the United States stood out, since it imported 1,242 tonnes of canned and semi-prepared seafood for EUR 7.2 million.
These countries were followed by Algeria with 1,129 tonnes for EUR 4.9 million; and Chile with 917 tonnes for EUR 3.8 million, among other countries.