Norwegian seafood exports amounted to NoK8.8 billion in April this year – an 11% increase compared with April 2018. To date, Norway’s seafood exports total NoK34.50 billion this year, representing a 9% increase over the same period last year.
“We are seeing strong growth in the global demand for Norwegian salmon,” said Norwegian Seafood Council analyst Ingrid K. Pettersen.
“This is especially true for the EU, Asia and the United States. In addition, this year's skrei season has now ended, and high demand is driving high volumes and high prices. We have also been helped by the currency situation in April, where Norwegian kroner have been weak, especially against the dollar. Overall, this has been a fantastic month for Norwegian seafood exports.”
Record month for salmon
In April, 86,000 tonnes of salmon with a value of NoK6.2 billion were exported, 17% up on last year in volume terms, and 19% in value. So far this year, 333,000 tonnes of salmon worth NoK 22.90 billion have been exported with a value of NOK 22.9 billion. Poland, Denmark and France were the largest export markets for salmon from Norway in April.
“Poland was the most important export market for Norwegian salmon in April. This was also the market with the largest growth. Increased domestic consumption as well as increased processing of Norwegian salmon, especially for frozen fillets and smoked salmon marked for export, is the reason for the strong increase in Poland. Germany is the most important market for processed products from Poland”, said seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl.
April also saw 3800 tonnes of Norwegian trout worth NoK275 million exported, a 4% increase in volume and 14% up in value, with main markets in the United States, Belarus and Poland.
Increase for frozen cod
8700 tonnes of fresh cod, including skrei, valued at NoK362 million were exported from Norway in April, a 7% drop in volume terms, but showing a 4% increase in value compared to April 2018. So far this year, 33,900 tonnes of fresh cod have been exported with a value of NoK1.40 billion. This is represents a reduction in volume of 20%, while the value fell by 5%. Of this, skrei accounts for 6400 tonnes, a 27% increase, and an export value of NoK285 million, which represents an increase of NoK88 million - or 45%. Poland, Denmark and the Netherlands were the largest destination markets for fresh cod in April.
“In recent years, skrei exports have remained stable at around 5000 tonnes a year, and this is during a period when quotas for cod have declined. This year's skrei season has been historically notable, with a growth in volume of almost 30%, matched by record high prices. The market development work that the Norwegian seafood industry has been committed to is bearing fruit, and is something we can all be proud of,” Ingrid K. Pettersen said.
Also in April, 5900 tonnes of frozen cod were exported with a value of NoK253 million, a 17% increase in volume and a 43% increase in value. So far this year, 31,000 tonnes of frozen cod valued at NoK1.30 billion have been exported - with a growth in volume of 16%, while the value increased by 38% as China, the United Kingdom and France were the largest export markets for frozen cod in February.
"In 2018, we saw a weak price development for cod fillet products, while this year we see a considerable price increase for all fillet products from cod," Ingrid K. Pettersen commented.
Clipfish downturn
In April clipfish exports stood at 4800 tonnes, with volumes down 27% and values down 25% over the same period in 2018. Saltfish exports were also down, wth a 12% reduction, but with an increase in value of 1%. Saltfish exports so far this year have been 10,500 tonnes with a value of NoK587 million, representing an overall 20% drop in volume and a 10% drop in values as Portugal, Spain and Tunisia were the main exports markets in April.
“The downward trend in exports of whole cod fish continues in April. There has been less available raw material and high first hand prices, which leads to lower production levels,” Ingrid K. Pettersen explained.
April’s herring exports of 11,200 tonnes worth NoK 119 million are also 24% down in volume and 16% in value, although overall volumes are up this year at 117,000 tonnes and herring export values ate 14% up.
Mackerel exports in April were 10,700 tonnes valued at NoK187 million, 16% up in volume and up 52% in value, while the figures for the year show that 62,000 tonnes of mackerel worth NoK 1 billion have been exported, which represents a 2% increase in volume for a 35% increase in value.
Norwegian prawn exports are 100% up in April in volume and 45% in value, while overall prawn exports this year so far are 86% up at 5200 tonnes and overall value is up 57% at NoK132 million.
“The large volume increases seen so far this year are largely due to exports of raw materials to Iceland, at a lower price. For consumer markets, such as Sweden and the UK, we see a rise in prices which is also partly due to a reduced global supply,” Ingrid K. Pettersen said.
85 tonnes of king crab with a value of NoK28 million were exported in April. This is an increase in volume of 87%, while the value increased by 99% over April last year. So far this year, 604 tonnes of king crab worth NoK186 million have been exported. This is an increase in volume of 22% while the value increased by 34%. Taiwan, the Netherlands and Sweden were the largest export markets for Norwegian king crab in April.
