MERCOSUR: Frozen Cuttlefishes Market 2025

Frozen Cuttlefishes Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was growth in the MERCOSUR frozen cuttlefishes market, when its value increased by 2% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, showed a significant expansion. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Frozen Cuttlefishes Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, frozen cuttlefishes production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -4.0% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 31%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Frozen Cuttlefishes Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of frozen cuttlefishes exported in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, increasing by 53% against the year before. In general, exports, however, saw a dramatic shrinkage. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, frozen cuttlefishes exports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a significant decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Peru represented the main exporter of frozen cuttlefishes in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was near 56% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), generating a 33% share of total exports. The following exporters - Chile (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Uruguay (X tons) - together made up 11% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Ecuador (with a CAGR of -20.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Argentina ($X), Peru ($X) and Chile ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, together accounting for 92% of total exports. Ecuador and Uruguay lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 5.7%.

Ecuador, with a CAGR of -17.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -4.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate resilient growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 38% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+20.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Cuttlefishes Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, approx. X tons of frozen cuttlefishes were imported in MERCOSUR; growing by 33% compared with the year before. Overall, imports, however, showed a dramatic decrease. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen cuttlefishes imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 50%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Colombia (X tons) represented the key importer of frozen cuttlefishes, achieving 58% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Venezuela (X tons) and Uruguay (X tons), together making up a 34% share of total imports. Peru (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

Colombia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the frozen cuttlefishes imports, with a CAGR of -12.1% from 2012 to 2021. Peru (-13.8%), Uruguay (-17.8%) and Venezuela (-27.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Colombia, Uruguay and Peru increased by +38, +5.5 and +1.6 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, the largest frozen cuttlefishes importing markets in MERCOSUR were Uruguay ($X), Colombia ($X) and Venezuela ($X), together comprising 95% of total imports.

Uruguay, with a CAGR of +5.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -2.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the import price increased by 55%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then declined slightly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Uruguay ($X per ton), while Venezuela ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uruguay (+28.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform