Although export levels prior to the pandemic have not yet been reached, shipments of salmon and trout in February and March 2021 show an upturn, due to increased demand in the main destination markets: the United States, Japan, Brazil and Russia.
Exports of salmon and trout reached 223 thousand tons in the first quarter of 2021, 6.6% more than the tons exported in the same period last year. While in the months of February and March salmon shipments to the world recovered with growth of 1.8% and 3.2%, according to figures released by the Chilean Salmon Council.
In its quarterly report, based on information from the Central Bank (CB) and the National Customs Service, salmon and trout exports totaled US$1,248 million.
"Recent monthly salmon export figures show a recovery that is positive, but still not at pre-pandemic levels. We have seen a growth in the tons exported, which is very important because it allows us to contribute to the reactivation and employment, especially in the southern regions of Chile," says the executive director of the Salmon Council, Joanna Davidovich. The organization brings together the companies AquaChile, Cermaq, Mowi and Salmones Aysén.
Although exports to the United States, the main importer of Chilean salmon (37%), fell 2% in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2020, in February and March export figures were similar to pre-crisis levels.
The case of Japan is also positive. During the period January-March 2021 salmon and trout exports increased by 18% compared to what was recorded in the first quarter of 2020.
"Although export levels prior to the Covid pandemic have not yet been reached, salmon and trout exports for the months of February and March 2021 show a recovery, due to increased demand in the main destination markets such as the United States, Japan, Brazil and Russia," explains Joanna Davidovich.