February 11, 2010

Norwegian clipfish exports contribute to record January seafood exports       

The value of Norwegian seafood exports in January totalled NOK3.6 billion (£388 million), an increase of NOK190 million (US$) or 6% compared to January 2009, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC).

"January has been a strong month for exports of Norwegian clipfish to Brazil, with an increase of 3,000 tonnes compared to the same period last year," said NSEC director of market information Egil Ove Sundheim.

Exports of Norwegian Cod clipfish in January increased by 23% to NOK187 million, while the volume of exports was up by almost 50%. Brazil accounted for the majority of this increase, with growth in value of 186% to a total of NOK122 million.

The value of exports to Portugal fell by NOK41 million, down by almost half compared to January last year.

Exports of salted whole Norwegian Cod also saw growth in January. Export volume totalled 954 tonnes, up by 45%, although lower prices meant that the value of exports increased by only 15% to a total of just under NOK30 million. The majority of exports of salted whole Norwegian Cod went to Portugal and Spain.

The value of exports of Norwegian Salmon in January totalled NOK1.8 billion, up by NOK260 million compared with January 2009, reflecting an increase in volume growth. France, Poland and Russia are the biggest importers of Norwegian Salmon. In addition, exports of fresh Norwegian Salmon fillets to the US showed strong growth from January last year.

Exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout declined in value by NOK10 million to a total of NOK125 million. This is attributable to a reduction in the volume of exports. The biggest importers of Norwegian Fjord Trout are Russia and China.

Herring exports in January totalled NOK473 million, down by NOK 71 million or 13% compared with January last year. This downturn is due to a fall in price of 16% to NOK4.59 per kg for all product types.

Mackerel exports fell by 16% to a total value of NOK163 million. Here, too, reduced prices are the prime factor. Compared with January last year, the price has fallen by 24% to NOK9.43 per kg for all product types.