Record first quarter for Norwegian seafood export in 2015

2015 began with a recording-breaking first quarter for Norwegian seafood export, worth NOK 17.4 billion. Compared to the first quarter of 2014 this was an increase of 3 per cent or NOK 445 million. In March, seafood was exported for NOK 6.4 billion – an increase of 13 per cent or NOK 741 million year-on-year.

“March delivered a new sales record, making the first quarter of 2015 the best ever for Norwegian seafood exports. This is despite weaker exports in the first two months of the year, compared to the strongest months of 2014. The strong cod price is one reason for these results. After a late start to this year’s spawning season, marked by bad weather and a lot of time spent ashore, there has been a great deal of fishing activity in the period around Easter. This is confirmed by the increased quantities of exported Norwegian cod. In addition, salmon has had a strong quarter, partly benefiting from the weaker Norwegian krone against currencies like the Euro and the US dollar”, says Geir Bakkevoll, Communications Director at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Salmon-Grilled-dish
Salmon exports increased
Norway exported salmon worth a total of NOK 11.2 billion in the first quarter of 2015. This represents an increase of 5 per cent, or NOK 536 million, compared to the first quarter in 2014. In March, Norway exported salmon worth NOK 4.2 billion – an increase of 14 per cent or NOK 533 million year-on-year. Poland and France were the biggest importers of Norwegian salmon.

Norway exported trout for NOK 460 million in the first quarter of 2015. This represents a decrease of 26 per cent, or NOK 165 million compared to the first quarter last year.

Increased sales of fresh cod but decreased sales of frozen cod
The export value of fresh cod, including fillets, totalled NOK 869 million in the first quarter. This represents an increase of 14 per cent or NOK 108 million compared to the first quarter of 2014. In March, fresh cod was exported for NOK 381 million. This represents a growth of 48 per cent, or NOK 124 million, compared to the same month last year.

Herring exports down, mackerel exports up
The export value of herring was a total of NOK 498 million in the first quarter. This represents a decrease of 31 per cent or NOK 220 million compared to the first quarter of 2014. In March, Norway exported herring to a value of NOK 123 million. This represents a decrease of 14 per cent or NOK 20 million compared with March last year. Lithuania and Poland are the largest export markets for herring.

China and Turkey are the most important markets for mackerel. The export of this fish reached a total of NOK 544 million in the first quarter. This represents a decrease of 17 per cent or NOK 111 million compared to the first quarter of 2014. In March, Norway exported mackerel worth NOK 113 million. This is an increase of 5 per cent or NOK 5 million compared to March 2014.

Photos: Norwegian Seafood Council

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