The value of exports of Norwegian Herring in February totalled NOK 262 million – down by no less than 57 per cent. Mackerel exports in February fell in value by 23 per cent to NOK 192 million.
"The downturn is largely attributable to lower quotas for both herring and mackerel in 2013," explains senior analyst Kristin Lien from the Norwegian Seafood Council.
"This is compounded by the fact that Norwegian pelagic fish are fetching prices on the international markets that are down compared to last year. Thus we have an unusual situation with both lower quotas and lower prices. The increased supplies of herring and mackerel from competing nations go some way to explaining the situation, and so far this year the competition has contributed to somewhat sluggish sales of Norwegian pelagic fish."
Ukraine biggest market for Norwegian Herring
Ukraine was the biggest market for Norwegian Herring in February, with exports valued at NOK 43 million. Exports of Norwegian Herring to Poland and Russia totalled NOK 40 million and NOK 39 million respectively.
The volume of exports of frozen whole Norwegian Herring in February totalled 21,000 tonnes, down by 15,000 tonnes from February last year. Exports were mainly to Ukraine, Egypt, Russia and the Netherlands. In February, the average price for frozen whole Norwegian Herring was NOK 6.79 per kg, down by NOK 0.65 compared to February 2012.
The volume of exports of frozen herring fillet products in February totalled 8,000 tonnes, down by 11,000 tonnes compared to the same month last year. Herring fillet exports went mainly to Poland, Lithuania and Russia. Prices in February averaged NOK 12.91 per kg, a reduction from the same month last year of NOK 1.80 per kg.
Japan biggest mackerel market
The volume of exports of frozen whole mackerel in February totalled 19,000 tonnes, showing no change from the same month last year.
The biggest export markets in February were China, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The average price of frozen whole mackerel in February was NOK 9.90 per kg, down by NOK 3.22 per kg compared to February 2012.
