Clipfish contributes to record exports in May

With robust growth of NOK 203 million, Norwegian seafood exports set a new record in May this year, with clipfish sales to Portugal the most significant contributor.

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 5.2 billion in May. An increase of NOK 203 million or 4 per cent compared with May 2014. So far this year, seafood exports have totalled NOK 28.2 billion, which is 2 per cent more than the same period last year.

May was another all-time monthly record for Norway seafood exporters. Codfish, in particular clipfish and salted fish have made strong gains. Part of the explanation for this is that Portuguese consumers, want Norwegian codfish in quantities greater than the weather and a somewhat hesitant cod seepage have given them at the beginning of the year”, says Communications Director Geir Bakkevoll from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Stable demand for Norwegian salmon

Salmon exports totalled NOK 3.5 billion in May. This is the same total as a year earlier. The price for fresh whole salmon fell from NOK 40.46 to NOK 38.47 per kg. By volume, sales increased from 81,500 tonnes to 84,700 tonnes for all varieties of salmon. France, Poland and the UK are the biggest importers of salmon from Norway.

Trout sales decline

Trout exports fell by NOK 45 million or 22 per cent to total NOK 157 million. Belarus was our largest trout export market for trout in May.

Strong growth in clipfish exports

Exports of clipfish increased by NOK 150 million or 80 per cent to reach an export value of NOK 337 million. Portugal was the largest export market in May with a value of NOK 171 million.

Salted fish sales are up

Exports of salted fish, including fillets increased by NOK 66 million or 66 per cent to reach a total of NOK 168 million in May. Portugal remains our biggest market for salted fish with a total value of NOK 141 million in May.

Growth for fresh cod, demand stable for frozen cod

Exports of fresh cod, including fillets increased by NOK 27 million or 23 per cent to reach a total of NOK 145 million in May. With an export value of NOK 144 million, the EU is the dominant market for fresh cod from Norway. Frozen cod exports are stable at NOK 150 million in May. The EU is also the largest importer of frozen cod and the region was worth NOK 117 million. Export growth to EU markets was 25 percent.