April 7, 2006

Norway boosts seafood exports by 13.6 percent in first quarter

The value of Norwegian seafood increased by NOK1 billion (US$155 million) to NOK8.5 billion (US$1.3 billion) in the first quarter this year, an increase of 13.6 percent over the same period last year.

This was despite Russia's ban on imports of Norwegian salmon from Jan 1 which took NOK278 million (US$43 million) off exports during the period.

Exports of salmon and trout increased by 25 percent the first quarter over the same period last year.

Export of cod, seithe and haddock increased 18 percent while that of herring and mackerel was cut by 12 percent.

Exporters are eyeing India as a new market for Norwegian seafood. India, which had until recently maintained high duty rates of up to 50 per cent, has agreed to reduce tariffs after extensive negotiations.