Year to date seafood exports have reached NOK 45.1 billion, an increase of NOK 2.9 billion on the same period in 2014.
“Yet another strong month for Norwegian seafood exports is partly explained by the EU, a key region for seafood exports, buying more salmon at higher prices in Norwegian kroner than they did during the same period last year.
"Also worthy of mention, is that the United States bought 30 per cent more salmon so far this year compared with the same period in 2014. Growth in cod sales is due to the Portuguese market buying more cod and higher prices compared to the same period in 2014.
"The overall positive picture is slightly offset by a small decline in the cod quotas for 2015. A further background factor is the currently weak Norwegian kroner, which of course assists exports”, says Geir Bakkevoll, Communications Director at the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Growth for salmon and trout
Salmon exports totalled NOK 3.7 billion in August. This is an increase of NOK 411 million or 12 per cent compared with August 2014. The price of fresh whole salmon increased from NOK 35.86 to NOK 43.33 per kilo.
Total volumes for all types of salmon were the same as 2014 at 80,111 tonnes. France, Poland and the UK are the biggest importers of salmon from Norway.
For the third consecutive month, trout exports increased, with growth in August of 26 per cent to a new total of NOK 183 million. Belarus was the biggest export market for trout from Norway in August.
Large sales increases for herring and mackerel
In August, herring exports year-on-year were higher by NOK 44 million, or 36 per cent, totalling NOK 167 million. Lithuania is the largest export market for herring in August.
Mackerel exports increased very significantly by NOK 36 million, or 72 per cent, to a new total of NOK 86 million in August. Nigeria was the largest export market in August.
Modest growth for clipfish
Clipfish exports increased by NOK 13 million, or 5 per cent, to a total of NOK 309 million in August. Cod exports increased by 27 per cent, while saithe exports declined by 18 per cent.
In August, Portugal remains the most important market for cod, whilst the Congo-Brazzaville is the biggest market for saithe clipfish.
Growth for salted fish
Exports of salted fish, including fillets, increased by NOK 2 million, or 10 per cent to total NOK 24 million in August.
Spain remains Norway's largest market for salted fish with a total value of NOK 10 million in August.
Fresh cod sees growth, frozen cod declines
Fresh cod exports, including fillets increased by NOK 17 million, or 37 per cent to a total of NOK 62 million in August. Most fresh cod was destined for the EU.
Frozen cod exports fell by NOK 25 million or 17 per cent to NOK 122 million. The EU is also the biggest importer of frozen cod with a value of NOK 85 million in August.
