Exports of Peruvian fishery goods for human consumption totaled US$908 million in 2016, reported Alfonso Miranda, Chief of the Fishing and Aquaculture Committee at the National Society of Industries (SNI).
Although said figure is 1.2% lower than the amount registered in 2015, Miranda is confident fishing for human consumption will recover thanks to promotion efforts carried out by the government.
Likewise, the SNI officer noted catches decreased 24% in 2016 compared to the previous year, and total exports (for human consumption) accounted for 41.50% of total fishery exports reported in 2016.
"Frozen products stood out as most important items for the human consumption sector, in terms of sales abroad," Miranda said.
"They [said products] were highly demanded by Spain and South Korea, taking into account that both countries increased their purchases by 14.50% and 23%, respectively," he added.
Miranda also addressed the concern over pirates catching cuttleflish in Peruvian waters.
"We hope the recent measures, passed by the Production Ministry, will serve to keep international pirates under control, those who catch our cuttlefish and affect artisanal fishing, as well as freezer plants," he affirmed.
Canned food
Canned food exports dropped 26% in 2016 compared to the year before. Their main destinations were Colombia, Panama, Spain and Germany.
According to Miranda, said decrease was mainly driven by the lack of access for raw materials and the unfair competition led by canned products from some nations.
Furthermore, aquaculture exports totaled US$260 million. Shrimp tails, scallops, whole prawns and trout stood out among said products.
Lastly, Miranda underlined main markets were the United States, Spain and France.
(END) MDV/MDV/JHM/MVB