Exports of seafood from Norway were worth NoK15.6 billion in July – 13% up on the same period last year.
‘July was a strong month for Norwegian seafood exports. Salmon drove both increased export volumes and higher prices. Rising prices for cod, mackerel and trout also made a positive contribution. A stronger Norwegian krone has put a damper on value growth, but the strong growth in salmon sales overshadows this effect and ensures that the total export value is rising. In addition, the international attention on Norway in connection with the FIFA World Cup is helping to maintain interest in several key markets,’ said Norwegian Seafood Council chief executive Christian Chramer.
‘Despite changing trade policy frameworks, quota cuts and currency effects, July this year was the best July on record for Norwegian seafood exports, measured by value. In addition to price rises for salmon, cod, mackerel and trout, we recorded record prices for clipfish made from cod and frozen herring,’ he said.
The largest markets during July were Poland, China and the US, with Poland accounting for the greatest growth in value. The volume of exports to Poland totalled 31,484 tonnes – 13% higher than the same month last year.
Seafood exports to China rose by 21% to NoK 1.6 billion in July. Salmon accounted for 65% of this. Soo far this year, Norway has exported 75,800 tonnes of salmon to China, worth NoK 5.6 billion – a 41% increase in value and a 46% increase in volume.
‘China has consolidated its position as Norway’s second-largest salmon market. Capacity in the Chinese salmon sashimi processing industry continues to increase, enabling further growth in domestic consumption of salmon. In the first half of the year, Norway’s market share stood at 61 per cent, up from 57% for the same period last year,’ Christian Chramer said.
‘The value of exports to the US fell by just 4%, meaning the US retained its position as our third-largest export market for seafood in July. Fresh and frozen salmon fillets, which have been our main products for the US market, continued to decline, whilst fresh whole salmon had a strong month, with export volumes rising from 810 to 2350 tonnes. Several factors may have contributed to this trend. Among other things, good availability of large Norwegian salmon suitable for sushi consumption may have played a role. There may also have been lower export volumes from competing countries, combined with solid demand in the market. Among other key species, we saw a continued sharp decline in king crab and snow crab in July, while trout increased slightly.’
