Although salmon and trout exports have not reached pre-pandemic levels, shipments in February and March 2021 show a rebound thanks to increased demand in their principal markets: the United States, Japan, Brazil and Russia.
A total of 223,000 tons of salmon and trout were exported in the first quarter of 2021, 6.6% more than during the same period last year. Furthermore, in February and March, Chile’s global salmon shipments were up 1.8% and 3.2% respectively, according to figures published by the Chilean Salmon Council.
In its quarterly report, based on figures provided by the Central Bank and Chile’s Customs Service, the entity reveals that salmon and trout exports totaled US$1.2 billion.
“The recent monthly salmon export figures show a recovery, which is good news, but they haven’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. We’ve seen an increase in the tonnage exported, which is important in terms of contributing towards the reactivation and jobs, especially in regions in southern Chile,” said Chilean Salmon Council CEO Joanna Davidovich. The Chilean Salmon Council represents Chilean salmon producers AquaChile, Cermaq, Mowi and Salmones Aysén.
While exports to Chile’s biggest salmon market, the United States — which accounts for 37% of market share — fell 2% in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2020, the export figures in February and March were close to pre-pandemic levels.
The figures for Japan were also positive. During the period January-March 2021, salmon and trout exports grew by 18% compared to Q1 2020.
“While salmon and trout exports haven’t yet reached their pre-COVID-pandemic levels, they showed some recovery in February and March 2021 thanks to increased demand in their principal markets, such as the United States, Japan, Brazil and Russia,” explained Joanna Davidovich.
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