April 5, 2012

Norway's seafood exports are presently worth NOK13.2 billion (US$2.3 billion) in the first quarter of this year, a decline of 4% compared with the same period in 2011.

"The economic decline in seafood exports is due to lower salmon prices this year compared to same period in 2011. At the same time lower salmon prices meant increased demand in shops which led to record volumes sold," said Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information at the Norwegian sjømatråd.

The export of salmon declined 9% compared to the first quarter of 2011. In March, the export value was NOK2.7 billion (US$470 million), a decline of 3.3% from last March. Lower export prices are the reason for the decline. The average price for whole fresh Norwegian salmon in March was NOK28.34 million (US$5 million), compared to NOK40.70 million (US$7 million) in March 2011. France and Russia are the biggest buyers of salmon from Norway.

Trout exports increased by 66 million in the first quarter of 2012 to a total value of 409 million. In March, the export value was NOK163 million (US$28 million), an increase of NOK64 million (US$11.1 million). The largest buyers of trout from Norway were Russia and Japan.

Exports of herring increased by NOK14 million (US$2.4 million) to a total value of NOK1.6 billion (US$278 million) but, in March herring exports decreased NOK106  million (US$18.4 million) compared to March last year. Russia and Germany were the largest markets for herring.

Mackerel has also had a strong quarter with an increase in export value of 36%. In March, exports increased by 23%. For mackerel, Russia and China were the main markets.

Clip fish exports fell by NOK78 million (US$14 million) in the first quarter to a total value of NOK902 million (US$157 million). This breaks down to NOK465 million (US$81 million) in cod and NOK358 million (US$62.2 million) on pollock. Exports of salted fish fell by NOK108 million (US$19 million) to a total of NOK331 million (US$58 million). In March, exports fell by 24% to a total of NOK169 million (US$29 million).