Herring from Norway was exported for NOK 185 million in April, which represents an increase of NOK 11 million or 6% compared to April of 2008.
So far this year herring has been exported for NOK 1.7 billion, an increase of 30% from 2008. The herring export and the pelagic sector have never had greater value, neither for the month of April or the first four months of the year, according to figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
Pelagic fish was exported for NOK 399 million in April, which corresponds with an increase of NOK 143 million or 56% compared to April 2008.
"Russia and Ukraine have been the two largest markets for pelagic fish throughout the first four months of 2009, with growth of 93% and 53%, respectively. The export growth is due to increased volumes of herring, mackerel and capelin, and price increases," says Senior Analyst Kristin Lien at the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
Russia the largest market for herring
23,000 tons of frozen whole herring were exported in April and this is a volume decrease of 13,000 tons. The value was at NOK 96 million. Russia was the largest market, with 12,000 tons, an increase of 3,000 tons from 2008. Nigeria was the second largest market with 5,000 tons, a decrease of 7,000 tons. Egypt and Ukraine follow thereafter.
More herring fillets
11,000 tons of frozen herring fillet products were exported in April 2009, at a value of NOK 82 million. This is a volume increase of 3000 tons. Russia, Germany and Poland increased their purchase of herring fillet products, while the export to Ukraine and Lithuania showed a decrease.
Capelin to Russia and Asia
In April 2009 21,000 tons of frozen whole capelin were exported at a value of NOK 112 million. 7,000 tons went to Ukraine, 4,000 tons to Japan, 4,000 tons to China and 3,000 tons to Russia. Thus far in 2009 113,000 tons of capelin have been exported for consumption.
