ported NOK 3.7 billion (USD 595.3 million, EUR 438 million) worth of salmon an increase of NOK 1 billion (USD 161 million, EUR 118 million) compared to January 2013, and the highest ever for the same month, according to figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.Salmon exported in January amounted to 74,480 metric tons (MT), which is around the same level as last year.
“The growing popularity of salmon, combined with a stable supply is the main reason for the growth we are seeing," said Bjørn-Erik Stabell, Norwegian Seafood Council salmon marketing manager.
During January, the price for fresh whole salmon was NOK 48.90 (USD 7.87, EUR 5.79), up NOK 14.24 (USD 2.29, EUR 1.69) compared to the same month last year and 2 percent higher than December 2013.
Value of exports to the EU were up 34 percent compared to the same month last year. France, Poland and Russia were the biggest markets in terms of volume for Norwegian salmon in January, despite these countries being in a recession compared to last year. The decline in volume for these countries was countered by a strong increase in exports to other countries in the EU, including Great Britain and the Netherlands.
Salmon exports to Russia measured were up 16 percent in value but fell 20 percent in volume compared to the same time last year.
The growth in value for the entire Asian market was 57 percent. This growth is driven by strong prices and the fact that the Asian market bought 10 percent more salmon in January than for the same time last year. Vietnam and Hong Kong stand out as with the biggest increases in volume.
Exports of salmon to the U.S. are seeing the same good trends as previous months, attributed to a combination of good prices and greater volumes.
