October 13, 2010

Norwegian seafood exports surge almost 50% in September

In September, exports of Norwegian seafood increased by NOK5.7 billion (US$978 million), up NOK1.8 billion (US$309 million) or 46% compared to September 2009 - the highest export value ever recorded for a month.

So far this year, the total export value of Norwegian seafood is NOK37.3 billion (US$6.4 billion). This is NOK6.5 billion (US$1.11 billion) more than last year, a growth of 21% according to new figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC).

"September shows a growth in all parts of Norwegian seafood exports. However, there are two particular aspects that contribute to the sharp increase in exports of NOK1.8 billion (US$309 million). Large catches of mackerel and a high demand for Norwegian mackerel in Japan are factors, as well as a continuing high demand for Norwegian salmon in key markets like France, Russia and the US," says Egil Ove Sundheim, NSEC director of market information.

In September, salmon exports reached a value of NOK2.9 billion (US$498 million). September 2010 is so far the best month for Norwegian salmon exports ever. The export value of Norwegian salmon of NOK21.9 billion (US$3.76 billion) so far this year, represents an increase of NOK5.1 billion (US$876 million). The total volume is at 651,000 tonnes, an increase of 77,000 tonnes.

Exports of trout fell in September. Total exports of trout so far this year are NOK1.1 billion (US$189 million), a decline of NOK348 million (US$59.8 million).

France and Poland are the biggest buyers of salmon from Norway. For trout, Russia and China are the largest importers.

Mackerel value increased in September. So far this year, the value of mackerel exports lies at NOK1.9 billion (US$326 million) which is an increase of 77%. 132,000 tonnes of mackerel were exported in September 2010, an increase of 306% compared to September last year. So far this year 187,000 tonnes of mackerel have been exported. Japan, China and Nigeria are the biggest buyers of Norwegian mackerel.

In September, herring exports increased by 12 million tonnes or 10% to a total value of NOK140 million (US$24 million). Looking at exports so far this year there is a decrease of NOK172 million (US$29.5 million) to a total value of NOK2.2 billion (US$378 million).

Exports of dried cod, increased by 20% in September to a value of NOK228 million (US$39.1 million). The value of dried saithe was up 4% to NOK114 million (US$19.5 million).