Norwegian seafood exports records 17% growth in May

Exports of Norwegian seafood in May totalled NOK3.9 billion (US$606.05 million), an increase of NOK568 million (US$88.26 million) or 17% compared to May 2009.

This year to date, Norwegian seafood exports total NOK19.9 billion (US$3.09 billion), an increase of NOK2.7 billion (US$419.48 million) or 16% compared to the same period last year. These figures, from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council, mark a new export record for both the month of May and the January-May period.

According to Norwegian Seafood Export Council director of market information Egil Ove Sundheim, strong growth in exports of Norwegian Salmon and groundfish have contributed to exports of Norwegian seafood totalling almost NOK20 billion (US$3.10 billion) this year to date.

At the end of May, the value of exports of Norwegian Salmon for the year to date totalled NOK11.1 billion (US$1.72 billion), an increase of NOK2.5 billion (US$388.41 million) or 29% compared to the same period last year. In May alone, the value of exports of Norwegian Salmon increased by NOK508 million (US$78.92 million) or 26% compared to May 2009. The average price of whole fresh Norwegian Salmon in May topped NOK39,91, almost NOK5 up on the average price level in May 2009. France and Poland are the biggest importers of Norwegian Salmon.

However, the value of exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout in May was down by NOK48 million to a total of NOK619 million, down 32% compared to May 2009. The biggest importers of Norwegian Fjord Trout are Russia and China.

The vale of exports of herring in the first five months of the year was down by NOK203 million to a total value of NOK1.7 billion. This is a reduction of 11% compared to the same period last year. Russia is the biggest importer of herring from Norway, with imports for the period totalling NOK512 million.

In the same period, exports of mackerel fell by NOK129 million to a total of NOK472 million. Russia and Turkey are the biggest importers of mackerel from Norway. These declines are attributable to reductions in both price and volume.

This year to date, the value of clipfish exports from Norway (all types) totals NOK1.3 billion, an increase of NOK158 million or 14% compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, in the January-May period, the value of exports of whole salted fish was up by NOK236 million or 83% to a total of NOK521 million compared to the same period last year. Exports to Portugal increased by no less than 292% to a total of NOK337 million, while exports to the Netherlands, France and Italy showed a decline.