Argentina exported 228,062 tonnes of seafood between January and July 2013, a figure that shows a rise of 3.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2012, when 220,604 tonnes had been shipped abroad.
According to statistics from the National Food Sanitary and Quality Service (Senasa), in the first seven months of this year 132,970 tonnes of fish were exported, that is to say, 0.6 per cent less than in the same period in 2012 (133,740 tonnes).
Until July 2013 a total of 95,092 tonnes of seafood was also exported, 9.4 per cent more than in the same period last year, when 86,864 tonnes had been sold overseas.
The largest export records were those of squid (Illex argentinus), with 64,403 tonnes, representing 6.8 per cent more compared to 60,290 tonnes, which had been exported between January and July 2012.
It was followed by the hake (Merluccius Hubbsi), with 62,882 tonnes, 0.4 per cent more than during the first seven months of last year (62,620 tonnes), and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 24,415 tonnes, 15.2 per cent more than during the same period last year (21,184 tonnes).
Among the resources that increased their shipments abroad is the anchovy (Engraulis anchoita), whose sales grew 2.2 per cent, changing from 5,081 tonnes between January and July of 2012 to 5,193 tonnes in the same period of 2013.
More stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) fins were also exported, changing from 2,484 tonnes to 3,240 tonnes (30.4 per cent); Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica), from 3,401 to 3,926 tonnes (15.4 per cent); and trout (Cynoscion striatus), from 7,681 to 8,114 tonnes (5.6 per cent).
The species recorded declines when comparing the first seven months of 2013 with the one from last year were:
• Hoki (Macruronus magellanicus): 17.7 per cent (from 10,618 to 8,743 tonnes);
• Whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri): 0.9 per cent (from 18,506 to 18,345 tonnes);
• Golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes): 6.7 per cent (from 1,494 to 1,395 tonnes).
Starting this year, Senasa does not report the values of fish exports.