Exports of pelagic fish from Norway last month were worth NOK 733 million, down 21% from September of 2014. Herring exports generated NOK 168 million, which was roughly at the same level as the previous September. Mackerel sales totaled NOK 534 million for the month, a decline of 28% compared with September of 2014.
So far this year Norway’s export value of herring, mackerel and other pelagic fish is NOK 3.7 billion, down by 6% compared with the same period last year. Year-to-date herring exports have totaled NOK 1.5 billion, a decline of 16% compared with the same period in 2014. Mackerel exports have generated NOK 1.6 billion in sales, down 7% compared with the first nine months of 2014. The Netherlands is the largest market for Norwegian pelagic fish.
“The reduced value of pelagic exports reflects lower volumes so far this year”, said Paul Aandahl, an analyst with the Tromsø-based Norwegian Seafood Council.
Nigeria Top Market for Mackerel
Thus far in 2015 approximately 143,000 tons of frozen whole mackerel have been exported, which is a reduction of 8% compared with the same period last year. The largest import markets for this fish have been Nigeria, the Netherlands and Japan. The average price paid for frozen whole mackerel has been NOK 10.52 per kilo, a slight reduction of 1% compared to the same period last year.
September exports of frozen whole mackerel totaled 51,000 tons, which amounts to a 33% reduction from September of 2014. Japan, the Netherlands and China accounted for the largest share of export volume.
Dutch Import the Most Herring
Approximately 67,000 tons of frozen whole herring have been exported by Norway so far this year, which is down 37% compared with shipments made in the same period during 2014. The Netherlands, Lithuania and Poland have been the biggest markets year-to-date. The average price of frozen whole herring was NOK 8.63 per kilo, an increase of 21% compared to the same period last year.
September exports of frozen whole herring weighed in at 9,000 tons, an advance of 14% over last September. The largest volume went to Ukraine.
Some 47,000 tons of frozen herring fillet products have been exported so far this year. This represents a drop of 29% compared with the same period last year. The largest markets by volume have been Poland, Germany and Lithuania. The average price of frozen herring fillet products was NOK 12.89 per kilo, which is up 16% compared to the same nine months of 2014.
September exports of frozen herring fillet products, at 6,000 tons, plummeted 44% compared with September of 2014. The largest import nations by volume during the month were Poland and Germany.
