Calendar 2005 has the makings of a breakout year for
exports of U.S. mackerel, as first-quarter export sales
jumped 30 percent by value and 29 percent by volume
above sales achieved during the first three months of
2004. The 2005 three-month export volume totaled 23,042
metric tons, valued at $26.6 million.
Although Japan, with sales valued at $10.3 million,
remains by far the largest export destination, U.S.
mackerel has made significant inroads in other
international markets. First-quarter mackerel exports
rose in nearly all regions, and records were set in
several markets. There were record exports to Romania,
with sales valued at $4.2 million (up 154 percent), and
Bulgaria, with sales of $1.8 million (up 384 percent).
Record exports also were achieved in Russia and China,
with sales in each country exceeding $1.4 million,
Georgia with $1.3 million and Thailand with $1.1
million.
Record exports to the EU (European Union)—which
registered $1 million—were five times greater than the
2004 level. However, even more U.S. mackerel was
destined for the region, as a great deal of product was
reprocessed in Eastern Europe and subsequently shipped
to EU markets. Also, Egypt reemerged as a large importer
of U.S. mackerel with purchases of nearly $1.4 million.
A significant factor in these gains is the emergence
of Atlantic mackerel from the United States, which has
become well accepted by international seafood buyers.
The strong export marketing efforts of enterprising
mackerel processors from the Northeast United States
have yielded results. In recent years, a number of U.S.
mackerel processors have built new plants and installed
new processing and freezing equipment. In addition, the
quality of the fish has improved greatly. U.S. Atlantic
mackerel are reported to be increasing in size and fat
content, two characteristics that appeal to foreign
buyers.
Trade reports from the 2005 European Seafood
Exhibition (April 26-28 in Brussels, Belgium) indicated
very strong international demand for U.S. product, and
significant sales were
made during the show. U.S. mackerel exporters are
optimistic, as the 2005 outlook for exports of Atlantic
mackerel and other mackerel from the United States
appears very positive.
The author is an agricultural marketing specialist in
the FAS Forest and Fishery Products Division. Tel.:(202)
720-3248, E-mail:
Joel.Chetrick@usda.gov
