Norwegian seafood exports exceeded NOK 8.1 billion in October. This is an increase of NOK 546 million or 7 per cent compared with October 2014. This is the first time Norway has exported seafood worth more than NOK 8 billion in a single month. So far this year, seafood exports have totalled NOK 60 billion. An increase of NOK 4.1 billion or 7 per cent compared with the same period in 2014.

“Never before in history have we exported more than NOK 8 billion in a single month. Salmon have contributed very significantly, with record export volumes of 103,000 tonnes combined with good market prices. October was also a very good month for groundfish exports. Exports of salted fish increased by 17 per cent and fresh cod, including fillets, has remained at the same level as October 2014. Compared to the historically strong October 2014 for cod, this October now takes second place, even allowing for the slight decline for some groundfish products. We have also seen positive trends in herring exports”, says Acting Communications Director Marit Rein with the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Growth for salmon, but trout down

Salmon exports totalled NOK 4.7 billion in October. This is an increase of NOK 720 million or 18 per cent compared with the previous October. The market price for fresh whole salmon increased from NOK 35.53 per kg to NOK 41.96 per kg. Exports by volume increased by 2,700 tonnes to 103,360 tonnes for all uses of salmon. Poland, France and Denmark were the biggest importers of Norwegian salmon in October.

Trout exports fell in October by NOK 8 million or 3 per cent to an export value of NOK 240 million. Japan was the biggest market for trout exports in October.

Herring exports increase and mackerel decreases

October herring exports increased by NOK 49 million, or 39 per cent, to a new total of NOK 173 million. Poland was the largest export market for herring in October.

Mackerel exports fell in October by NOK 262 million, or 17 per cent, to NOK 1.3 billion. Japan was the largest export market for mackerel in October.

Clipfish exports decline

Clipfish exports declined by NOK 56 million, or 11 per cent, to total 450 million in October. Cod exports declined by 4 per cent, while saithe exports declined by 25 per cent. In October, Portugal remained the most important market for cod, while Brazil was the biggest market for saithe variety clipfish.

Salted fish exports grow

Exports of salted fish, including fillets increased by NOK 12 million, or 17 per cent to total NOK 84 million in October. Portugal was the biggest market for salted fish with a total value of NOK 28 million in October.

Fresh cod exports remain stable, frozen cod exports decline

Exports of fresh cod, including fillets, remained at the same level as in October 2014 with a total export value of NOK 68 million. Most fresh cod was destined for the EU. Frozen cod exports fell by NOK 42 million or 14 per cent to total NOK 249 million. The EU was the largest importer of frozen cod with a market value of NOK 167 million.