Value of Norwegian Salmon Exports Highest Ever

Exports of Norwegian Salmon in the first quarter of 2011 set a new record of NOK 7.5 billion. This is an increase of 17% or NOK 1.1 billion compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. In the same period, the volume of exports showed a slight decline of 2% to 177,000 tonnes, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to NSEC.

"The growth in Norwegian Salmon exports is attributable to high, stable prices resulting from a general increase in demand for salmon globally," says Paul Aandahl, market analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
High, stable prices for Norwegian Salmon

In recent months the price of Norwegian Salmon has been at a relatively high, stable level. This year to date, the average price of fresh whole Norwegian Salmon is NOK 40.26 per kg. This is NOK 7.10 higher than in the same period last year.
Growth in exports to Asia and eastern Europe

Despite the relatively high price of Norwegian Salmon, the first quarter of 2011 saw an increase in the volume of exports to markets in eastern Europe and Asia. First quarter exports of Norwegian Salmon products to these regions totalled approximately 26,000 tonnes. Exports to eastern Europe grew by 8% and to Asia by 9%.
Steep decline in exports to USA

The strong growth seen last year in the volume of exports to the USA has been followed by a steep decline in the first quarter of this year, with export volume falling by 41% to just over 5,000 tonnes. This decline is largely due to reduced exports of fresh fillets.
Exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout also down

First quarter exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout fell by NOK 60 million to NOK 351 million. This is a consequence of a 32% drop in the volume of exports to 7,763 tonnes. In the same period, the average export price of fresh Norwegian Fjord Trout increased by NOK 9.10 to NOK 46.13 per kg.