Honduras continues to lead fresh tilapia exports to the United States, with over USD 95 million last year, said the head of the General Directorate of Fishing and Aquaculture (Digepesca), Renee Elizabeth Gutierrez.
"In 2012 revenues were stronger, as there was a production of 10 million kilograms, which would give us a little over USD 95 million avantage," Gutierrez said.
These figures confirm that the country is a leader in tilapia export, pushing Ecuador to the second place and leaving behind Costa Rica and Colombia. On the other hand, last year shrimp farming also grew and generated revenue of USD 256 million.
These results were driven by the support of Taiwan, through technical assistance provided by the Asian government, El Heraldo informed.
According to a foreign trade report of the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), in 2010 Honduras exported tilapia fillets for USD 56.8 million and in 2011 the figure rose to USD 62.7 million.
According to Orlando Delgado, Aquafinca Saint Peter Fish manager, one of the leading producers of tilapia in the country, they had initially projected an export of 19 million pounds for 2012, but the economic situation of the U.S. and food prices prevented them from achieving their target. Last year, the company exported more than 18 million pounds of tilapia, La Prensa reported.