– The different parts of the Norwegian seafood business are experiencing very different market situations thus far this year. A generally good demand for salmon and Norwegian fjord trout in many central markets is contributing to a new export record for these types. The same may be said for herring and mackerel. At the opposite end of the scale we have the cod sector which is struggling with a significant reduction especially in salt fish exports to Portugal. In total the growth in exports by 15% so far this year is showing that the Norwegian seafood industry has products which are standing up well in unstable markets, says Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information in the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
Export record for salmon and Norwegian fjord trout
At the end of March, the export value of salmon was 4.8 billion kroner, which is an increase of 758 million kroner or 19% compared to the same period last year. Stable volumes and increased prices are the reason for the growth. The average price for whole; fresh Norwegian salmon in March was NOK 30.36 as against NOK 26.80 in March 2008. It is France and Poland who are the largest importers of salmon from Norway.
Norwegian Fjord Trout increased in the same period by 117 million kroner to a combined total export value of 480 million kroner. The largest buyers of Norwegian fjord trout from Norway are Russia and Japan.
Record for herring, increase for mackerel
The export of herring increased by 375 million kroner to a combined value of 1.5 billion kroner. This is an increase of 33%. Russia was the largest receiver, with a value of 402 million kroner. Exports of mackerel increased by 233 million kroner to 480 million kroner. Russia and Japan are the largest buyers of mackerel. The increased prices and larger volumes have contributed to the increase in value for both herring and mackerel.
Growth in clip fish
The export of clip fish has increased by 122 million kroner to a combined value of 830 million kroner in the first quarter. This is divided into 414 million kroner for cod, 355 million for coalfish and a small part for cusk and ling.
Halving of salted fish exports
Exports of salted fish, including fillets, were reduced by 264 million kroner or 52% to a combined value of 246 million kroner. The largest buyers of salted fish from Norway are Greece and Spain. The greatest decline is found in the exports of salted fish to Portugal with a reduction of 225 million kroner.
