The value of Norwegian seafood exports in the first half of 2009 totalled NOK 20.6 billion. This betters the previous record set in 2008 by NOK 2.9 billion, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
"As a result of strong growth in exports of Norwegian Salmon, Norwegian Fjord Trout, herring and mackerel, the total of first half-year exports of Norwegian seafood has for the first time exceeded NOK 20 billion. While other production sectors in Norway are in decline, the seafood industry continues to set new export records. However, cod exports have not been able to keep pace and exports of salted fish are at their lowest for 20 years," says Terje E. Martinussen, managing director of the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
Total exports in June were valued at NOK 3.4 billion, which is an increase of NOK 825 million or 32% compared to June last year.
Record exports of Norwegian Salmon
The value of Norwegian Salmon exports in the first half-year was NOK 10.7 billion, an increase of NOK 2.4 billion or 29% compared to the same period last year. In June the value of Norwegian Salmon exports increased by NOK 665 million NOK or 47%. The average price for whole fresh salmon for the first half-year was NOK 31.70, compared to NOK 26.26 for the same period last year. The average price in June was NOK 35.24. A total of 367,000 tonnes of salmon (whole fish equivalent) was exported, compared to 343,000 tonnes last year. France and Poland are the largest importers of Norwegian Salmon.
In the same period, exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout increased by NOK 150 million to a total value of NOK 953 million. The volume of exports decreased from 42,000 tonnes to 36,000 tonnes (whole fish equivalent). The biggest buyers are Russia and Japan.
Record herring exports and increased mackerel exports
Total exports of herring in the first half-year increased in value by NOK 466 million to NOK 2.1 billion. This is an increase of 29%. Russia was the largest market, with imports valued at NOK 600 million.
Exports of mackerel increased by NOK 300 million to NOK 656 million. This is almost double the value of exports in the same period last year. Russia and Japan are Norway's largest markets for mackerel. Increased prices and growth in volume have contributed to the increase in value of both herring and mackerel exports.
Increase in exports of fresh cod
This year to date, exports of fresh wild cod total NOK 232 million. This is an increase of 4%. Exports in June totalled NOK 42 million, double the value compared to June last year. The biggest growth was in exports to Denmark, which together with France is the biggest market for fresh Norwegian cod.
Tough six months for salted fish
In the first half-year, exports of salted cod declined by NOK 580 million to a value of NOK 334 million. This is a decrease of 64%.
Increase in clipfish exports
Exports of clipfish increased by NOK 65 million or 5% to a value of NOK 1.3 billion. Saithe clipfish showed growth, while cod clipfish declined slightly.
