OSLO: Norway exported 196,000 metric tons of seafood to a total value of NOK 7.5 billion ($889.89 million) in February.
This represents a volume decrease of 19% and an increase by value of 6% compared with February last year.
”Salmon prices fell slightly in February, but the average price of NOK 64.11 per kilogram was still NOK9 higher than February last year. A little later cod seepage caused the volumes to be reduced in February as well, although here too, prices were higher than in the same month last year,” said Geir Havard Hanssen, communications director with the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC).
“The export value of Norwegian clipfish increased in February. Easter and Christmas are traditionally the peak months for Norwegian clipfish in Portugal and Brazil. Due to the late Easter, clipfish exports were increased to Brazil in February.
There is also a cautious optimism about purchasing power in Brazil. This is gratifying for the Norwegian clipfish industry,” he said.
Norway exported 72,800t of salmon worth NOK4.9 billion in February.
”The total volume of salmon exports in February were the same as in February last year. Exports to the EU fell by 3,900t, while the total decline by volume was 800t. Salmon exports to the United States accounted for increased exports to non-EU countries,” said Hanssen.
The value of exports of Norwegian salmon increased by 16% compared with February last year.
While the average price for fresh whole salmon was NOK55.19 per kilogram in February 2016, this rose to NOK64.11 per kilogram in February 2017. Poland, France and the US were the biggest importers of Norwegian salmon.
In February, Norway exported 2,500t of trout with a value of NOK187m. Overall volumes fell to 3,700t, while there was a reduction of 36% or NOK104m in export value.
So far this year, Norway has exported 5,100t of trout with a value of NOK387m. Thailand, Belarus and Japan, were the biggest markets for trout in February.
