June 5, 2008

Norway seafood exports up 6 percent on-year in May
    

Norway seafood exports grew 6 percent on-year to a record high of NOK 2.8 billion (US$541.1 million) in May, according to figures released by the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC) and Statistics Norway.

Strong overseas demand, especially from Russia, had contributed to the growth in the exports of salmon and trout, as well as herring, said Egil Sundheim, marketing director of NSEC.

Salmon exports rose 5.5 percent on-year to NOK 1.5 billion (US$290 million) in May, with the Polish and French markets showing the biggest growth. France alone imported NOK 265 million (US$51.2 million) worth of Norwegian salmon in May.

Trout exports jumped 69 percent on-year to NOK 157 million (US$30.3 million). Russia was the biggest importer, accounting for NOK 64 million (US$12.4 million), up 80 percent on-year.

Herring exports grew 74 percent on-year to NOK 137 million (US$26.5 million), with Russia as the largest importer.

Exports of Norwegian seafood to Russia increased 64 percent on-year to NOK 260 million (US$50.2 million) in May, while exports to Ukraine surged by 145 percent.

Exports to the EU dropped 3 percent on-year to NOK 1.9 billion (US$367 million) in May.

In addition, Norwegian seafood exports in the first five months of 2008 soared NOK 100 million (US$19.3 million) to a record high of NOK 15.1 billion (US$2.9 billion).