Led by growth in salmon exports, Norway's seafood exports soared by 15 percent in July, compared to the same month last year, to reach NOK 3.8 billion (USD 638 million, EUR 480 million).
In addition, the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC) reported that Norwegian salmon exports rose 26 percent to reach NOK 2.7 billion (USD 453 million, EUR 341 million).
"In July, Norwegian salmon accounted for no less than 71 percent of all seafood exports from Norway," said NSEC market analyst Paul Aandahl. "One reason for this is the relative consistency of Norwegian salmon exports throughout the year, whereas exports from fishing generally are more seasonal."
The United States had the largest increase in Norwegian salmon imports in July, rising 67 percent to NOK 220 million (USD 36.9 million, EUR 27.8 million). "This is attributable to strong growth in exports of Norwegian salmon fillets to the USA," according to a statement from NESC.
Norwegian salmon exports to France rose 10 percent in July, compared to July 2009, to NOK 382 million (USD 64 million, EUR 48.3 million). Exports to Russia increased by 46 percent in July, to reach NOK 259 million (USD 43.5 million, EUR 33.7 million).
"France, our most important market for Norwegian salmon, increased consumption of smoked Norwegian salmon is contributing to growth," said Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information for NSEC.
Norwegian salmon prices also rose in July, compared to June, reaching 39.50 (USD 6.63, EUR 4.99) per kilogram. "For the year to date, the average price for fresh whole Norwegian salmon stands at NOK 36.14 (USD 6, EUR 4.57) per kilogram, up by NOK 4.43, compared to the same period last year," according to the NSEC report.
Cod also contributed to July's growth in exports, according to the NSEC. Frozen whole and filleted cod exports increased 26 percent to NOK 143 million (USD 24 million, EUR 18 million). The value of frozen Norwegian cod products for the year to date shows an increase of 32 percent to a total of NOK 814 million (USD 137 million, EUR 103 million), compared to the same period last year, according to NSEC.
"In particular, the U.K. market for Norwegian cod and haddock in blocks has shown good growth, which appears to be pressing Alaska pollock," said NSEC market analyst Ove Johansen.
