The export value of Norwegian seafood has reached its highest figure ever in the first half of 2021.
In the first six months of the year, Norway exported seafood worth NOK53.7 billion. This represents a growth in value of just over 1%, or NOK646 million, when measured against the first half of last year.
Demand for seafood both domestically and abroad has continued despite the Covid-19 pandemic. “Not only are we well ahead of the strong half-year we saw in 2019, but this is also the best half-year ever for seafood exports so far,” said Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, Minister of Fisheries and Seafood.
“Not even the worldwide pandemic has prevented an increase in demand for, and exports of, Norwegian seafood,” he added.
Exports to South Korea are particularly buoyant, with sales, dominated by salmon, mackerel and king crab, up nearly a quarter to NOK1.9 billion. Shellfish in general has seen the biggest rise, up NOK698 million to NOK1.7 billion.
Salmon has also performed well, with export volume up 12%. Poland, France and the US are Norway’s biggest export markets for salmon with demand increasing in Italy.
Trout and cod are both struggling, with exports volumes of trout declining by a fifth. Despite an increase in export volumes, the value of frozen cod fell by 8% whilst fresh cod fared better with an increase in volume of 35% and value of 9%.
