Norway exported seafood for NOK 16.8 billion in the first quarter of the year. In total, this represents a 25 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2013. The incredible skrei fisheries contributed to a 65 per cent increase in the the export of fresh cod, according to figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.
In the month of March, seafood to the value of NOK 5.6 billion was exported. This represents an increase of 22 per cent or nearly a billion krone compared to last year.
"Very strong demand for salmon and incredible skrei fisheries this winter are the main reasons why we are seeing new export records in Q1," said Egil Ove Sundheim, Market Information Director at the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Increase in fresh and frozen cod
Export of fresh cod, including filets, amounted to NOK 770 million in Q1. This represents an increase of 66 per cent or NOK 306 million compared to Q1 2013. The export volume increased by 15,000 tonnes to a total of 37,000 tonnes in the same period. In March, fresh cod exports, including filets, amounted to NOK 261 million. This is an increase of 35 per cent or NOK 68 million, compared to March last year.
Export of frozen cod, including filets, amounted to NOK 657 million in Q1. This represents an increase of 58 per cent or NOK 240 million compared to Q1 2013. The quantity of exports increased in the same period by 14,000 tonnes to a total of 36,000 tonnes. In March the export of frozen cod, including filets, amounted to NOK 191 million, representing an increase of 53 per cent or NOK 66 million compared to March last year.
Salmon exports on the rise
NOK 10.7 billion worth of salmon was exported in Q1. This represents an increase of 33 per cent or NOK 2.6 billion compared to Q1 2013. In the month of March alone, salmon was exported to the tune of NOK 3.7 billion. Compared to March last year, this represents an increase of 27 per cent or NOK 790 million. The average price for whole, fresh Norwegian salmon in March was NOK 43.88 per kilo compared to NOK 37.59 in March last year. Poland and France were the biggest buyers of salmon from Norway.
Trout exports increased by 30 per cent or NOK 146 million in Q1 to a total value of NOK 632 million. In March the export of Norwegian trout amounted to NOK 227 million, representing an increase of 60 per cent or NOK 85 million compared to March last year. The largest buyers of Norwegian trout are Russia and Japan.
Growth for clipfish and salt fish
Clipfish exports amounted to NOK 862 million in Q1. This represents an increase of 16 per cent or NOK 119 million compared to Q1 2013. The quantity of exports increased in Q1 by 2,500. In March the export of clipfish amounted to NOK 237 million, representing an increase of 37 per cent or NOK 65 million compared to March last year.
Salted fish exports amounted to NOK 368 million in Q1. This represents an increase of 34 per cent or NOK 93 million compared to Q1 2013. The quantity of exports increased by 2,400 tonnes to a total of 13,354 tonnes. In the month of March, salted fish to the value of NOK 199 million was exported. This is an increase of NOK 48 per cent or NOK 65 million compared with March last year.
Herring down, mackerel up
Herring exports amounted to NOK 720 million in Q1. This represents a decline of 13 per cent or NOK 107 million compared to Q1 2013. In March herring to the value of NOK 143 million was exported, a decline of 19 per cent or NOK 33 million compared to March last year. Russia and Germany are the largest markets for herring.
Mackerel was exported to the tune of NOK 661 million in Q1, representing an increase of 40 per cent or NOK 189 million compared with Q1 2013. Exports of mackerel in March amounted to NOK 110 million, an increase of 5 per cent or NOK 5 million compared to the same period last year. China and the Netherlands are the most important markets for Norwegian mackerel exports.
