(TheFishSite) Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.2 billion in the first quarter of this year. This is a decline of four per cent compared with the same period in 2011. In March, exports declined six per cent.
"The economic decline in seafood exports is due to lower salmon prices this year compared to same period in 2011. At the same time lower salmon prices meant increased demand in shops which led to record volumes sold," said Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information at the Norwegian sjømatråd.
The export of salmon declined nine per cent compared to the first quarter of 2011. In March, the export value was 2.7 billion, a decline of 3.3 per cent from last March. Lower export prices are the reason for the decline. The average price for whole fresh Norwegian salmon in March was 28.34 million, compared to 40.70 million in March 2011. France and Russia are the biggest buyers of salmon from Norway.
Trout exports increased by 66 million in the first quarter of 2012 to a total value of 409 million. In March, the export value was 163 million, an increase of 64 million. The largest buyers of trout from Norway were Russia and Japan.
Exports of herring increased by 14 million to a total value of 1.6 billion but, in March herring exports decreased 106 million compared to March last year. Russia and Germany were the largest markets for herring.
Mackerel has also had a strong quarter with an increase in export value of 36 per cent. In March, exports increased by 23 per cent. For mackerel, Russia and China were the main markets.
Clip fish exports fell by 78 million in the first quarter to a total value of 902 million. This breaks down to 465 million in cod and 358 million on pollock. Exports of salted fish fell by 108 million to a total of 331 million. In March, exports fell by 24 per cent to a total of 169 million