Norway has enjoyed its best ever February, with seafood exports valued at NOK 14.1 billion (€1.2 billion), an increase of 6% over the same month last year.
A combination of the continuing weak krone, high salmon volumes and a boost in volumes to the US are the prime drivers for the increase.
“February was the best ever month for exports to the US,” said Christian Chramer, chief executive of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“This was primarily due to increased value for salmon, snow crab, king crab, trout and mackerel.”
Exports to the US totalled NOK 548 million (€46.73 million), an increase of 52% over last year. Chramer cites a number of factors driving the growth, namely an increase in larger fish sizes which are sought-after in the US market, the effect of sanctions on Russia and the weak krone.
The US took 11% of Norway’s seafood, with 62% to the EU and 21% to Asia. The largest markets in February for all Norwegian seafood were the US, Poland and Denmark.
Salmon continues to be Norway’s largest export by far, with 89,177 tonnes worth NOK 9.1 billion (€780 million) exported. Value has increased by 2% and volumes by 14%, which seafood analyst, Paul T. Aandahl, puts down to improved condition.
“Higher sea temperatures and fewer winter ulcers have resulted in increased harvesting volumes and a higher quality of fish compared with February last year,” he said.
With the US riding high in terms of increased imports of salmon (57% higher than last year), Norwegian salmon is also gaining market share in China with values up 25% making the country the second biggest growth market in February.
