September 8, 2010

Norway's January-August seafood exports rise

Norway's seafood exports reached NOK31.60 billion (EUR4.02 billion/US$5.17 billion) between January and August this year, up NOK4.7 billion (US$0.76 billion) from the same period in 2009.

August exports rose by NOK667 million on-year. Except for October 2009, when figures were flat, Norway's seafood exports have enjoyed uninterrupted growth for the last 22 months.

In July, seafood exports totalled an impressive NOK3.8 billion (EUR480.9 million/US$631.9 million), up by more than NOK500 million (EUR68.3 million/US$83.1 million) or 15% from July 2009.

According to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC), the value of exports in the first seven months of this year totalled NOK 27.9 billion (EUR3.5 billion/US$4.6 billion), up by some NOK4 billion (EUR506.2 million/US$665.1 million) on-year.

"Seafood exports in July show that the demand for Norwegian seafood is very strong at present. Exports of salmon, in particular, have contributed significantly to this growth. In France, our most important market for salmon, increased consumption of smoked salmon is contributing to growth," said NSEC director of market information, Egil Ove Sundheim.

Norwegian July salmon exports increased in value by NOK565 million (EUR71.5 million/US$93.9 million) or 26% to a total of NOK2.7 billion (EUR341.7 million/US$448.9 million).

This year to date, the value of exports of Norwegian salmon total NOK16.6 billion (EUR2.1 billion/US$2.8 billion), an increase of NOK3.8 billion (EUR480.8 million/US$631.6 million) or almost 30% compared to the same period last year.

France was the biggest importer of Norwegian salmon in July, with exports to France valued at NOK382 million (EUR48.3 million/US$63.5 million), up 10% from July 2009. Russia is the next biggest market for Norwegian salmon, with exports valued at NOK259 million (EUR32.8 million/US$43 million), up by 46% from July 2009.