Norway exported 81,000 metric tons (MT) of farmed Atlantic salmon worth NOK 6.1 billion (USD 749.6 million, EUR 642.6 million) in May, which represented a 12 percent increase in volume and a 16 percent or NOK 851 million (USD 104.6 million, EUR 89.6 million) rise in the value of the trade compared with the corresponding 31 days of last year.
In the first five months of 2018, Norway has exported 400,000 MT of salmon with a total value of NOK 27 billion (USD 3.3 billion, EUR 2.8 billion), up from 377,000 MT worth NOK 26 billion (USD 3.2 billion, EUR 2.7 billion) a year previously.
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) highlighted that last month's average price of fresh whole salmon was a May record at NOK 73.73 (USD 9.07, EUR 7.77) per kg, up from NOK 69.76 (USD 8.58, EUR 7.35) per kg achieved in May 2017.
The reasons for these high prices are a combination of strong demand and a "still weak" Norwegian kroner in relation to the euro, said the NSC.
At NOK 4.6 billion (USD 565.5 million, EUR 484.5 million), the export value to the EU was also a new May record.
While Poland, France and Denmark provided the largest export markets for Norwegian salmon, there was a 24 percent or NOK 82 million (USD 10.1 million, EUR 8.6 million) rise in salmon exports to the U.S. market compared to May 2017.
"Americans are consuming Norwegian salmon like never before, and I think it's because Norway's seafood is known to be free of antibiotics and farmed using sustainable practices,” said Per Sandberg, Norway’s minister of fisheries.
“Growth in the United States shows the importance of the authorities and industry working together to ensure good market access. But we cannot rest on our laurels, ensuring good trading conditions will also continue to be crucial for achieving growth in the future.”
Norway also exported 4,300 MT of trout worth NOK 316 million (USD 38.9 million, EUR 33.3 million) last month with the volume and value rising by 54 percent and 38 percent respectively compared with May 2017.
So far this year, the country has exported 18,000 MT of trout worth NOK 1.2 billion (USD 147.5 million, EUR 126.4 million).
The United States and Belarus provided the main markets for Norwegian trout last month.
Norway’s total seafood exports (all species and products) over the past five months increased by 12 percent in volume MT and 4 percent in value year-on-year to 1.2 million MT and NOK 40 billion (USD 4.9 billion, EUR 4.2 billion).
