Buenos Aires - Argentina's food exports were $4.58 billion in the first half of the year, a 1.6% rise compared to the same period last year, the Industrial Food Union (UNIDA) chamber reported.
Sunflower oil shipments rose 32.0% January-June year-on-year to $600 million compared to last year's $455 million. Argentina is the world's leading exporter of sunoil.
Soybean oil exports also jumped 29.1% on year to $561 million versus $435 million last year.
Fresh vegetable exports rose 35.1% to $235 million against $174 million January-June 1997, while drinks rose 47.2% to $102 million from $69 million.
The greatest export declines compared to first-half 1997 were marked by beef and offal, which decreased 17.0% to $294 million; canned fruits and vegetables, which dropped 16.5% to $151 million; and pellets and animal feed, which fell 16.4% to $889 million.
Food exports made up 34% of Argentina's total outgoing trade of $13.4 billion between January and June this year, as opposed to 36.4% during the same period in 1997.
The country's food imports totaled $647.6 million in the first six months of 1998, a 5.7% increase year-on-year.
Argentina is the world's eighth largest food producer and fifth largest exporter. Major clients include the European Union and fellow Mercosur nations Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Return to Home Page