Chile's salmonid exports rose by 3% in first half of 2024
But lower prices pushed revenue down by 5%
Published
The world’s second biggest salmonid producer, Chile, exported 3% more salmonids in the first half of 2024 than in the same period last year but earned 5% less in revenue, according to statistics from the Studies Department of the National Customs Service.
There were 385,262 tonnes of salmon and trout worth US $3.138 billion exported between January and June this year, compared to 373,590 tonnes worth $3.301bn in H1 2023.
Arturo Clément, president of producers’ organisation SalmonChile, said the salmonid industry remained the second largest export sector in the country but its importance was not registered by the government.
“There is a lack of understanding of the value of our industry, there is a disregard for the people of the south (where salmonids are farmed) and we are being suffocated by the competition,” said Clément, who pointed to the absence of President Gabriel Boric and his ministers at the Salmon Summit 2024 despite receiving invitations.
Japan and Brazil
Export volumes to two of the salmonid sector’s key markets – Japan and Brazil – rose by 13% and 12% respectively in H1 2024 but revenues from China, the United States, Mexico, and Russia were all lower year on year.
Brazil received 73,408 tonnes of Chilean salmonids worth $486m, up 14% and 12% respectively, and Japan bought 78,782 tonnes – up 34% - for $506m, up 13%.
During the first half of the year, 113,666 tonnes of salmonids were shipped to the United States for a value of $1.272bn, 11% down in volume and 12% lower in returns compared to H1 2023.
Salmonid exports to Russia amounted to 11,284 tonnes worth $77m, 46% less in volume and 42% less in value compared to the first half of 2023.
Exports to Mexico dropped by 14% to 9,016 tonnes worth $96m, 18% less than was earned in H1 2023.
Finally, China, although it maintains a prominent place as a strategic market for Chilean salmon, exported 18,775 tons between January and June of this year, reaching a value of US$126 million, showing a 1% drop in volume and 9% in value (see boxes).
