Brazilian fish farming exports grew 119% in value in Q1 2022

In the first quarter of 2022, Brazilian fish farming exports totaled US$ 7 million, an increase of 119% compared to the same period in 2021. In terms of weight, the increase in the first quarter of 2022 was 46%, reaching 2,509 tonnes. See the table below:

Exports of Brazilian fish | first quarter 2018 to 2022 (in US$ FOB and tonnes)

Source: COMEXSTAT/Ministry of Economy (2022). Presentation: Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura

The month by month analysis of first quart exports indicates that January was the month with the highest volume shipped, with US$ 2.5 million and 895 tonnes, as can be seen below:

Exports of Brazilian fish by month | first quarter 2022 (in US$ and tonnes)

Source: COMEXSTAT/Ministry of Economy (2022). Presentation: Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura

Frozen whole fishes were the most exported fish farm goods in the first quarter of 2022, with a total value of US$4 million and a share of 57%. The categories of fresh or chilled fillets (US$ 1.6 million) and frozen fillets (US$ 843 thousand) are in second and third place, respectively. The 475% increase in sales of frozen whole fish is noteworthy.

Tilapia in the lead

With US$ 6.8 million in exports in the first quarter of 2022, tilapia remained the most popular variety exported, accounting for 97% of exports. However, compared to the first quarter of 2021, this figure has increased by 166%. Tambaqui ranks second with US$ 153 thousand, but with a 24% decrease in revenue vis-a-vis 2021.

Destinations

The United States maintained its position as the largest importer of Brazilian fish farming goods (US$ 5.5 million) in the first quarter of 2022, with an increase of 249% compared to the first quarter of 2021. Canada was the second main destination, totaling US$ 748 thousand in imports and showing an increase of 675%. Chile was the third main destination, with US$ 176,000, but down 44% compared to 2021.

Main destinations for Brazilian fish farming exports (in U$ and % of the total share)

Source: COMEXSTAT/Ministry of Economy (2022). Presentation: Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura

Fish farming industry trade balance

The trade deficit for fish farming in the first quarter of 2022 was US$ 241 million, up 60% from the previous year. The increase in the deficit was mainly attributable to the rise in imports, which totaled $248 million in the third quarter.

Salmon was the most valuable of the principal fish species imported by Brazil in the first quarter of 2022, with a value of US$ 216 million, up 66% from 2021. With US$ 29 million, catfish came in second, while Tarpon prochilodus came in third with US$ 1 million.

Sharing is caring!