Exports of salmon in May equalled 2 billion NOK - the highest export value ever recorded for an individual month.
The growth of some 468 million NOK is largely a result of an increase in the price of salmon, which has not been as high since August 2006, according to figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
"The price increase is largely a result of high demand for Norwegian salmon, while global availability seems to be falling," says Paul Aandahl, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. "In the month of May the actual export volume from Norway increased by only one per cent. At the same time, the other salmon producing nations had stable or declining production. The global supply of salmon was expected to be negative for this month, which increased the price," says Mr Aandahl.
The May, the export price for fresh salmon averaged 35.06 NOK. This was the highest average export price registered for a single month since August 2006. The price in May was 3.08 NOK higher than in April.
Measured in round weight, exports to Eastern Europe were reduced by 24% to 5,300 tonnes in May. Exports to Russia were reduced by 20% to 3,700 tonnes, while export to the Ukraine were reduced by 27% to 1,000 tonnes.
Exports to Asia rose by 6% to 6,600 tonnes, by round weight. For Japan, the largest importer of salmon in Asia, exports rose by 13% to 2,200 tonnes. To Hong Kong and China, exports increased respectively 19% and 8%. Exports of salmon to China and Hong Kong totalled to 2,000 tonnes in May.
Exports of salmon to the USA came to 3,300 tonnes, measured by round weight. This is an increase of 374 per cent compared with the same month last year. However, the volume declined by 700 tonnes compared with the previous month.
