Strong Returns for Chilean salmon exports

Kate Casey According to SalmonChile in their last statistical and market analysis, salmon and trout exports during the this year’s first trimester reached over US$ 713 million, FOB Chile. The increase is due primarily to an average price 12% higher than last trimester for traditional salmon products. As for the increase in volume, coho salmon went up 39%, and trout, 9%. Japan consumed 96% of Chile’s frozen coho salmon and trout, resulting in sales of US$ 276 million – a net increase of 20% compared to sales in March of 2006. The United States is the second largest consumer, resulting in sales over US$ 236 million, and a net increase 30% higher than last year. Over half of the exports to the States are comprised of fresh Atlantic salmon and trout, whereas nearly 30% are exports of frozen Atlantic salmon products. In third place is the group of countries labelled “other markets”. This group generated returns of US$ 80 million, which is 46% higher than March of last year. The main countries in this group are Russia, China, Thailand, and South Korea. The European Union takes fourth place in sales, reaching US$ 71 million and also 31% higher in respect to last year. The principal countries are Germany, France, Belgium, United Kingdom and Denmark. Latin America, Brazil in particular, is the last of Chile’s top five buyers, which generated sales of US$ 50 million. This is an extraordinary increase of 52% compared to returns from this market last trimester.