November 10, 2006

Norwegian salmon exports hits record
 

Norwegian seafood exports totaled NOK 4 billion (US$625 million) in October, the highest Norwegian seafood export figures ever registered in a single month, according to fresh figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.

October exports were 1.25 percent higher on-year.

Year-to-date seafood exports were up 11 percent to NOK 28.4 billion (US$4.4 billion), also a record for the January-October period.

Salmon is the most significant product, accounting for almost half of the export value. Salmon export value reached NOK 13.7 billion (US$2.1 billion) for the year to date, an increase of 31 percent over that last year.

Salmon exports for October 2006 increased 23 percent compared to October 2005.

Also in October, exports of stockfish increased 36 percent on-year. Exports of salted fillets increased while that for salted whole fish fell.

Also, herring exports in October fell 60 percent compared to October 2005 and mackerel exports fell 27 percent.

Exports to Israel have almost doubled, increasing 90 percent for the year to date due to a strong increase in sales of frozen whole salmon, frozen salmon fillets and fresh salmon.

Thailand is another promising market for Norway. Exports to the country in the year-to-date has seen an increase of 126 per cent due to growth in sales of frozen salmon and trout.