The value of exports of pelagic fish in the first quarter of 2011 totalled NOK 2.5 billion, an increase of NOK 482 million or 24% compared to the first quarter of 2010. This is the highest value ever registered for first quarter exports of pelagic fish for human consumption. In the same period, exports of herring increased in value by 28% to NOK 1.7 billion, while mackerel exports were up by no less than 50% to a value of NOK 597 million.
In March 2011, exports of pelagic fish increased with NOK 265 million in value, or 38% compared to March last year.
“The first quarter figures are the result of higher prices than we have seen in recent years, particularly for herring products,” comments senior analyst Kristin Lien from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. “This is not unexpected as there has been good, consistent market demand, while the herring quota for 2011 is significantly lower than in previous years. So far in 2011, prices have continued to rise – which could be a sign of a good year for exports of pelagic fish.”
Nigeria biggest market for herring
In the first quarter of 2011, the volume of exports of frozen whole herring totalled 160,000 tonnes, down by 42,000 tonnes compared to the same period last year. The biggest export markets for herring from Norway are Nigeria (52,000 tonnes), Russia (32,000 tonnes), Ukraine (29,000 tonnes) and Egypt (11,000 tonnes). These figures mark an increase in exports to Nigeria of 14% but declines in exports to Russia of 48%, Ukraine 18% and Egypt 39%. Prices for herring have been increasing so far in 2011, with an average price in the first quarter of the year of NOK 5.72 per kg, which is NOK 2.00 per kg more than in the same period last year.
Germany biggest market for herring fillets
The first quarter of this year saw exports of frozen herring fillet products totalling 62,000 tonnes, a decline of 6,000 tonnes compared to the same period last year. The main export markets were Germany (25,000 tonnes), Russia (15,000 tonnes), Poland (7,000 tonnes) and Lithuania (5,000 tonnes). The average price in the first quarter was NOK 10.10 per kg, which is NOK 3.44 per kg higher than in the same period last year.
Mackerel galore in the first quarter
In the first quarter of the year, the volume of exports of frozen mackerel totalled 50,000 tonnes, an increase of 12,000 tonnes compared to the first quarter of last year. Exports were primarily to the markets in Russia (8,000 tonnes), China (7,000 tonnes), Turkey (7,000 tonnes), South Korea (6,000 tonnes) and Nigeria (5,000 tonnes). The average price of frozen whole mackerel in the first quarter was NOK 11.20 per kg, which is NOK 1.31 per kg higher than in the same period last year.
More capelin to Japan and China
The volume of exports of frozen capelin in the first quarter of 2011 totalled 41,000 tonnes, down by 30,000 tonnes from the first quarter of last year. The biggest export markets for capelin are Russia (10,000 tonnes), Japan (8,000 tonnes), China (7,000 tonnes), Ukraine (5,000 tonnes) and Lithuania (5,000 tonnes). These figures mark an increase in exports to Japan and China compared to the first quarter of last year, but a downturn for the other markets. The average price of frozen capelin in the first quarter was NOK 4.66 per kg, which is NOK 1.04 per kg higher than in the same period last year.
