The export value of Norwegian seafood in the first half of 2015 was the highest ever at NOK 34 billion, up 5% compared to the same period last year. A new record for the month of June was also set as exports reached NOK 5.8 billion, up 20% compared to June 2014 results.
“It is great to see that many parts of the seafood industry have contributed to these figures. Cod, for example, has seen steady growth throughout the period. This has great significance for both local and national value creation, as Norway now exports more processed and less whole cod,” said Geir Bakkevoll, communications director of the Tromso-headquartered Norwegian Seafood Council.
Salmon Exports Gain
Salmon exports from Norway were valued at NOK 21.9 billion in the first half of 2015. This represents an increase of 3%, or NOK 537 million, compared to 2014 results for the first six months. The export value in June alone was NOK 3.8 billion, up NOK 488 million, or 15%.
The average price for whole Norwegian salmon was NOK 41.00 per kilogram in June, compared to NOK 36.27 in the same month last year. Poland, France and the UK were the biggest importers of Norwegian salmon, as was the case in May.
Decline in Trout Exports
Trout exports fell by NOK 272 million to NOK 969 million, or 22%, in the first half of 2015. In June, the total export value was NOK 205 million, a 14% increase of NOK 26 million. The main destinations for Norwegian trout sales are Belarus and Poland.
Increase of Clipfish and Saltfish
The export of clipfish hit NOK 1.9 billion during the first half of 2015, a gain of NOK 424 million, or 29%. The value of exports for June alone amounted to NOK 363 million, an increase of 61%. In the first half of the year, the export value was divided between cod (NOK 1.1 billion), saithe (NOK 662 million), ling (NOK 58 million), tusk (NOK 56 million) and other whitefish (NOK 13 million).
Norway’s saltfish export value increased by NOK 163 million, or 24% during the first half of the year, to NOK 850 million. Cod accounted for NOK 794 million of the total.
Decline in Frozen Cod Exports
Norway’s cod exports, including cod fillets, increased by NOK 240 million, or 22% during the first half of the year, to NOK 1.4 billion. For frozen cod, including fillets, there was a decrease of NOK 134 million, or 31%, which corresponds to a total export value of NOK 924 million. In terms of value, 74% of frozen cod exports go to the EU.
