Norwegian salmon exports reached a record NOK 31.4 billion (USD 5.4 billion, EUR 4 billion) in 2010, up NOK 7.7 billion from 2009, the Norwegian Seafood Export Council reported on Monday.
In December alone, Norwegian salmon exports totaled NOK 3.5 billion — a monthly record. The average export price for fresh whole Norwegian salmon amounted to NOK 37.50 per kilogram last year, up NOK 6.78 from the previous year.
As for volume, Norwegian salmon exports increased 73,000 metric tons to 784,000 metric tons in 2010.
“Global growth in demand for salmon combined with reduced international competition has helped boost the value of Norwegian salmon exports to new heights,” said Paul Aandahl, a market analyst with the council. “Never before has Norway produced as much salmon as it is now, and at the same time prices keep moving upward.”
France, Poland and Denmark were the leading importers of Norwegian salmon in 2010. But the strongest growth came from eastern Europe, particularly Russia. Exports of Norwegian salmon to the region jumped 63 percent, or NOK 1.4 billion, last year.
Strong growth also originated from Asia, namely Japan, Hong Kong and China. Exports of Norwegian salmon to the continent increased 43 percent, to NOK 4.2 billion, in 2010.
