Norway: Seafood exports show continued growth

So far this year, seafood export amounts to NOK 11.2 billion (USD 1.9 billion), an increase of NOK 2.3 billion (USD 384.7 million) or 26 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

"The volume growth in the trout industry, and the price growth in the salmon industry and the two primary explanations for the export growth. With a price increase of 30 per cent the growth in the salmon price is the single biggest reason," says Egil Ove Sundheim, Director of Market Information at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

NOK 3.3 billion (USD 551.9 million) worth of salmon was exported in February.  This is an increase of NOK 856 million (USD  143.2 million), or 35 per cent, compared with February last year. The price of fresh whole salmon increased from NOK 36.38 to 47.55 (USD 6.08 to 7.95) per kilo. Volume increased by 2,200 tonnes to 66,900 tonnes for all uses of salmon. France, Poland and Russia are the largest importers of salmon from Norway.

The export of Norwegian fjord trout increased by NOK 62 million (USD 10.4 million) or 45 per cent, to a total of NOK 201 million (USD 33.6 million). So far this year, trout exports have amounted to NOK 406 million (USD 67.9 million). Russia was the biggest market for Norwegian fjord trout in February.

The exports of herring ended up at NOK 195 million (USD 35.6 million) in February, representing a decline of NOK 64 million (USD 10.7 million) or 25 per cent. Germany and the Netherlands were the major herring markets in February.

Mackerel exports increased in February by NOK 102 million (USD 17  million) or 54 per cent, totalling NOK 290 million (USD 48.5 million). China is the largest receiver, with a value of NOK 61 million (USD  10.2 million).

Clipfish exports increased in February by NOK 168 million (USD 28.1 million) or 107 per cent, totalling NOK 325 million (USD  54.3 million). Brazil is the largest market for February, with a value of NOK 160 million (USD 26.7 million). 

Salted fish exports increased in February by NOK 30 million (USD 5 million) or 28 per cent, totalling NOK 136 million (USD 22.7 million). Portugal remains our largest market for salted fish with a total value of NOK 84 million (USD 14 million) in February.

The export of fresh cod increased by NOK 132 million (USD 22 million) or 86 per cent, to a total of NOK 284 million (USD 47.5 million). With an export value of NOK 268 million (USD 44.8 million) the EU dominates the market for fresh cod from Norway. For frozen cod the increase is NOK 42 million (USD 7 million), or 31 per cent, to a total of NOK 179 million (USD 29.9 million). The EU is the largest receiver of frozen cod too, with a value of NOK 118 million (USD 19.7 million).

Norway eyes 5% to 10% increase in salmon exports to Malaysia

Norway expects to increase the volume of its salmon exports to Malaysia this year by 5% to 10% from 1,900 tonnes previously.

Norwegian Seafood Council Regional Director South-East Asia, Christian Chramer, said the target would be achieved driven by the changing lifestyle of Malaysians.

"Apart from healthy lifestyle, the increase in retail growth as well as increasing sushi demand, will also also contribute towards higher volume in salmon exports to Malaysia," he told reporters on the sidelines of the visit by Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry, Monica Maeland, to the two-day Norwegian salmon promotion here today.

Chramer said the country imported textiles and palm oil from Malaysia.

Norway produces 1.1 million tonnes of salmon a year and salmon represents 65% of the country's fish export.

The country is one of the world's biggest producers of Atlantic salmon with 60% of the total production going to the European market and 40% for Asian market.

Meanwhile, AEON Co (M) Bhd managing director, Nur Qamarina Chew Abdullah, said the company imported RM7 million worth of salmon, or 15 tonnes, every month.

Of the import, Norway contributed some 80% and the rest came from Chile, New Zealand and Tasmania.

"AEON is also eyeing an increase in salmon import by 10% every month," she said.