February 6, 2009

Norway's seafood exports hit record earnings of US$495.8 million in January 2009, up by US$46.2 million from a year ago, boosted by salmon, herring and mackerel, according to official data.

Salmon exports went up by NOK 298 million to NOK 1.6 billion, driven by bigger quantities and higher prices.

France, Poland and Russia were the biggest recipients of salmon from Norway, figures by Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC) showed.

NSEC market information director Egil Ove Sundheim said the industry experienced a nervous market in the white fish sector, which resulted in weaker demand for the relatively more expensive products of cod.

Cod exports decreased by 12 percent year-on-year to NOK 441 million in January, mainly pulled down by lower prices.

Exports of herring increased to NOK 567 million, up by NOK 87 million, due to higher prices. Russia, Ukraine and Nigeria were the biggest buyers of herring from Norway.

Mackerel exports surged by 148 percent to NOK 210 million on the back of higher prices and volume. Russia and Ukraine were the biggest importers.

Exports to the EU rose by NOK 317 million to NOK 2 billion which is the biggest growth, by 50 percent to NOK 176 million, was registered in Sweden.

France remained the biggest market in the EU, having an exports share of NOK 355 million.

Russia was the most important market in January with exports of NOK 417 million, up by 50 percent year-on-year.

US$1 = NOK6.85 (Feb 6)