Chilean salmonid exports rose slightly in first half of 2023
Gains in Mexico, China, Russia, and Brazil offset dips in US and Japan
Exports of salmon and trout from Chile grew by 2% in volume and 2.1% in value in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period last year, government figures show.
Chile, the world’s second biggest salmon farmer, exported 373,734 tonnes of salmonids worth US $3.307 billion in H1 2023, up from 366,762 tonnes worth US$3.239bn in the first half of last year.
The volume of salmonids exported from Chile last month was 57,118 tonnes worth $508 million. Both the volume and value fell by 4.2% and 6.5% respectively compared to May 2023, when 59,623 tonnes of salmonids worth $543m were sent abroad.
The value of exports in June to Mexico (25%), China (79%), Russia (123%), and Brazil (1%) increased compared to the same month last year, while exports to Japan (-15%) and Chile’s biggest market, the United States (-2%), dipped.
$1.45bn from US
Chile exported 127,396 tonnes of salmonids worth $1.45bn to the US in the first half of 2023, which was 0.5% less in terms of volume and 2% more in returns than in H1 2022.
Brazil bought received 64,190 tonnes of Chilean salmonids valued at $432m in H1, increases of 4% in volume and 1% in value compared to the same period last year.
The volume of salmonids exported to Japan in H1 was 58,715 tonnes for $457m, falls of 21% in volume and 15% in value year on year.
Exports to China recovered strongly in H1. Chile exported 18,970 tonnes worth $139m, increases of 78% in volume and 79% in value.
Exports to Russia continued to rise steadily despite that country’s continuing invasion of Ukraine. Customs data show that between January and June 2023, 19,584 tons were exported for a value of $143m, 101% more in volume and 123% more in value compared to H1 2022.
Chile shipped 10,464 tonnes of salmonids worth $117m to Mexico in H1, an increase of 25% in value and 19% in volume year on year.
