Brazilian tilapia exports rose 19 percent in 2019, helped not only by US demand but by other markets, according to figures released by aquaculture trade group Peixe BR.

Shipments totaled 5,322 metric tons last year versus 4,484 metric tons in 2018.

Consignments to the United States have been helped by the opening of a new air route via Boston, while producers such as Sao Paulo-headquartered GeneSeas also airfreight fresh fillets via Toronto to the North American market.