Higher Herring Prices result in Record Exports in April

The value of exports of pelagic fish in April 2011 totalled NOK 402 million, an impressive increase of no less than NOK 160 million or 60% compared to April 2010. Exports of herring increased in value by 59% to a total of NOK 236 million, while exports of mackerel almost doubled in value, jumping 91% to a total of NOK 65 million, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to NSEC.

"These impressive export figures are the result of high market demand combined with increased prices for pelagic products , " explains senior analyst Kristin Lien from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. "Another consideration is the reduction in the NSS (Norwegian Spring Spawning) herring quota by about one-third compared to last year."
Herring to Russia

In April, the volume of exports of frozen whole herring to Russia totalled 17,000 tonnes, a reduction of 5,000 tonnes compared to the same month last year. Herring exports have gone primarily to the markets in Russia (7,000 tonnes), Egypt (4,000 tonnes) and Ukraine (3,000 tonnes), and prices have been on average 63% higher in April compared to the same month last year.
Growth in exports of herring fillets

A total of 10,000 tonnes of frozen herring fillet products was exported in April, up by 3,000 tonnes compared to the same month last year. The main export markets were Russia (5,000 tonnes) and Germany (3,000 tonnes). Prices have been on average 62% higher in April this year compared to April last year.
Significantly higher capelin exports in April

Exports of frozen capelin in April totalled 19,000 tonnes, an increase of 8,000 tonnes compared to April last year. The main export markets were Japan (5,000 tonnes), Russia (3,000 tonnes), UK (3,000 tonnes), Lithuania (3,000 tonnes) and China (2,000 tonnes). The average price for frozen whole capelin in April was 15% higher than in the same month last year.