According to Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC) the exports of seafood from Norway in August totalled NOK 2.4 billion. It is said that the reduction is of NOK 100 million compared to August 2007. Till present exports of seafood total NOK 22.7 billion, an increase of NOK 86 million. Despite the decline in exports in August, for the period from January to August exports of seafood from Norway have set a new record.
The main reason for this plunge in export value is largely a decline in exports of clipfish, herring and mackerel. Exports of Norwegian Salmon have remained at the same level as last year, while exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout have shown an increase. Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information with the Norwegian Seafood Export Council, informed that seafood is a product category that is not particularly affected by economic downturns.
Sundheim cites an instance that consumption of Norwegian Salmon in France actually increases at times when consumer confidence in their own economy is waning. On the other hand, cod is a product that is more susceptible to economic fluctuations because it is positioned closer to the luxury segments in, for example, the Portuguese clipfish market.
Rapid decline was reported in the exports of clipfish, herring and mackerel. There was growth in the exports if Norwegian Fjord Trout, totaled NOK 139 million, a rise of NOK 39 milion or 39 percent. It is said that the exports of Norwegian Salmon totalled NOK 1.4 billion in August, maintaining the level of August last year. The total volume of exports was 53 000 tonnes measured in whole fish, a reduction of 2000 tonnes.
