Despite higher prices, Norwegian salmon saw a year-on-year increase of NOK 460 million (USD 80.5 million), in its October 2012 exports to NOK 2.7 billion (USD 472.7 million) driven by strong European demand.
Export volume in October went up 16 percent to 95,000 metric tons (MT), a record for the month of October, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“Despite strong growth in the volume of exports of salmon, both from Norway and internationally, export prices were higher in October compared to the same month last year. Strong growth in consumption of fresh Norwegian salmon in European homes has contributed to the record figures for consumption of Norwegian salmon,” said Paul Aandahl, market analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council.
In October, no less than 85 percent of Norway’s salmon exports went to markets in Europe. The biggest market in terms of volume was France, followed by Russia. Poland saw the strongest growth, with export volumes going up 3,080 MT.
Exports in Asia also showed steady growth with more than 12,000 MT shipped to China in October, up 12 percent compared to 2011. Japan was the most important Asian market with export volumes of 3,325 MT.