Pelagic fish exports totalled NOK 1.7 billion in October 2011, representing an increase of NOK 407 million or 32% compared with October 2010. For herring, we can see an increase in export value of 29% up to NOK 487 million, while for mackerel there was an increase of 36% to NOK 1.1 billion.
– So far, this has been a record year for pelagic fish exports and we are heading for a new record in terms of value this year, says Kristin Lien senior analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. – The increase in exports was due to high demand which, again, has resulted in high prices in several markets and this applies to herring products in particular. Mackerel, too, is seeing prices just below the record level for 2005.
High mackerel exports to Japan in October
In October, 74,000 tonnes of frozen whole mackerel was exported, to a value of NOK 1.1 billion. This corresponds to 7,000 tonnes and NOK 303 million more than in October 2010. Japan has been the largest recipient with a total of 37,000 tonnes, China comes second with 14,000 tonnes while Turkey has imported 5,000 tonnes. The volumes exported to China go mainly to consumers in Japan. The average export price for frozen whole mackerel in October was NOK 15.16 per kg, which is NOK 2.94 per kg more than during the same month last year.
Russia largest market for frozen whole herring
In October, 37,000 tonnes of frozen herring was exported, some 12,000 tonnes less than in October of last year. The herring has mainly gone to the markets in Russia (13,000 tonnes), Ukraine (7,000 tonnes) and Lithuania (5,000 tonnes). This corresponds to a small downturn in all these markets. Herring prices have increased over the year in 2011 and averaged out at NOK 7.69 per kg in October, representing NOK 3.09 per kg more than for the same month last year.
Germany largest herring fillet market
In October, 9,000 tonnes of frozen herring fillet products were exported, some 4,000 tonnes less than for the same period last year. The herring fillets have mainly gone to the markets in Germany (2,000 tonnes), Russia (2,000 tonnes), Poland (2,000 tonnes) and Lithuania (1,000 tonnes). Average prices in October were NOK 14.01 per kg, compared with NOK 6.27 per kg last year.
