Norwegian Salmon Exports Hit New Heights

Exports of Norwegian Salmon in January totalled NOK 1.8 billion, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. This is the highest export value ever recorded for Norwegian Salmon in January and is no less than NOK 260 million up on the same period last year, reports http://www.megafishnet.com/ with reference to NSEC.

"Behind this strong increase is the worldwide growth in demand for Norwegian Salmon," says market analyst Paul Aandahl from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.

Norwegian Salmon prices up

In January, the export price of fresh Norwegian Salmon was NOK 29.16 per kg. This is NOK 0.54 higher than a year ago and NOK 0.19 higher than the previous month.

Strongest growth in exports to markets outside Europe

Although the majority of Norwegian Salmon exports are destined for the European markets, export growth in January was strongest in Asia and the USA. While the value of exports to Europe grew by 7%, the value of exports to Asia grew by 28% and to the USA by an impressive 276%. However, these two countries' share of the total export market remains small at 12% and 7% respectively, while Europe's share fell from 86% in January last year to 79% in January this year.

Growth in direct exports to Germany

The German salmon market is one of the biggest in Europe after France and the UK, with much of the Norwegian Salmon consumed in Germany first being further processed in countries such as Poland and Denmark. In January this year, the value of direct exports of Norwegian Salmon to Germany increased by 26% to NOK 98 million, attributable to growth in exports of frozen fillets.

Reduction in exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout

The value of exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout in January totalled NOK 125 million, down by about NOK 10 million compared with January last year. Export volume was also down by 899 tonnes to 3,672 tonnes. The most important markets for Norwegian Fjord Trout in January were Russia and China.