The Peruvian Ministry of Production (Produce) reported that, from January to September 2004, Peru's fishery exports exceeded USD 3 billion, reaching a specific value of USD 3.18 billion (EUR 3.05 billion) FOB - this is 'Free On Board', which represents the cost of the goods at the point of shipment or loading excluding insurance and freight costs.
Compared to the same period last year, this result represents a significant growth of 29.9%.
The head of Produce, Sergio González Guerrero, explained that this increase is mainly due to the higher demand for fishmeal, fish oil, canned products, and resources such as perico (mahi-mahi), jack mackerel, anchovy, and tuna, which are more widely accepted abroad.
According to information provided by Produce, the most important markets for Peruvian fishery products during those nine months were China, the United States, Spain, Chile, Japan, and South Korea. Together, these destinations accounted for USD 2.34 billion FOB (EUR 2.24 billion), equivalent to 73.4% of total exports.
It should also be recalled that Peru has historically accounted for an average of 20% of world fishmeal and fish oil production. Indeed, the latest report from IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organisation, pointed out that, from January to September 2024, cumulative fishmeal production increased by almost 23% compared to the same period in 2023 due only to the South American country's production and its strong anchovy seasons this year.
Commenting on the fishery exports figures for the first nine months of 2024, the Peruvian Minister of Production said: "With this result, Peru reaffirms its position as one of the main generators of foreign exchange in the global fishery market, thanks to its traditional and non-traditional hydrobiological products that boost the national economy."
In its release, Produce also remarked that the country continues to strengthen its role as a leader in the export of hydrobiological products, reaffirming its commitment to the sustainability and quality of its products to meet the demands of the global market. Recently, Peru was recognized as one of the best-managed fisheries worldwide.