November figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council show that the record export levels achieved in 2008 have already been surpassed this year by over NOK 1 billion.
For the year to date, seafood exports total NOK 40.4 billion. This is an increase of NOK 5.4 billion or 15% compared with the same period last year.
"It is very pleasing to note a new annual record for seafood exports, especially as early as November and in good time before the traditionally strong Christmas sales have come to a close," says Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information with the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. "This shows that the demand for Norwegian seafood products remains very robust in an international market severely marked by the economic instability that has seen many other export sectors suffer."
Exports of seafood in November totalled NOK 4.8 billion, an increase of NOK 500 million compared to November last year.
Record exports for Norwegian Salmon
The value of exports of Norwegian Salmon in November set a new monthly record with a total of NOK 2.2 billion, up by NOK 500 million from the same month last year. Good volume combined with continued good prices account for these record exports. Exports to the USA showed the biggest increase in exports to an individual market in November, although France remains the biggest market for Norwegian Salmon.
Decline in exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout
Exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout fell in November by 18% or NOK 36 million to a total value of NOK 163 million. The decline is the result of a downturn in the volume of exports. Russia was the biggest market for Norwegian Fjord Trout exports in November, while Japan, the next biggest market, showed the steepest decline.
Growth in herring exports
Exports of herring in November increased by NOK 47 million or 8% to a value of NOK 662 million. The Ukraine showed the biggest growth in November, increasing by NOK 42 million or 125% to a total value of NOK 75 million. Russia remains the most important market, with exports valued at NOK 193 million.
Exports of clipfish also up
Exports of clipfish in November increased by 5% or NOK 12 million to a total value of NOK 287 million. Both Portugal and Brazil showed growth. In Portugal, Norway' most important market, the value of exports in November grew by 12% to a total of NOK 114 million. Exports to Brazil in the same month increased by no less than 53% to NOK 82 million. However, exports to Congo and the Dominican Republic showed a decline.
No change for salted fish
An increase in volume meant strong growth in exports of salted fish to Portugal in November, up by NOK 21 million or 188% compared to November last year. However, a decline in exports to Italy and Spain means that overall, total exports of salted fish in November remain unchanged from November last year.
