Norwegian seafood exports increased again in May, reaching NOK 3.9 billion (USD 598.1 million, EUR 496.7 million), up 17 percent from the same month last year, the Norwegian Seafood Export Council reported on Thursday.
Through the first five months of 2010, Norwegian seafood exports were up 16 percent, to NOK 19.9 billion (USD 3.1 billion, EUR 2.5 billion), from the same period last year.
"Strong growth in exports of Norwegian salmon and groundfish have contributed to exports of Norwegian seafood totaling almost NOK 20 billion this year to date," said Egil Ove Sundheim, the council's director of market information.
In May, Norwegian salmon exports set yet another monthly record, totaling NOK 2.5 billion (USD 383.4 million, EUR 318.4 million), up 26 percent from May 2009. Through May, Norwegian salmon exports were up 29 percent, to NOK 11.1 billion (USD 1.7 billion, EUR 1.4 billion), from the same period last year.
The average price of fresh whole salmon hit NOK 39.91 per kilogram in May, up nearly NOK 5 from May 2009. This is the highest price since June 2006, when it reached NOK 41.54 per kilogram.
"The strength of Norwegian salmon exports is attributable to growth in demand combined with reduced competition in the world market for salmon," said Paul Aandahl, the council's market analyst.
