Norway has exported 1.8 million tonnes of seafood worth NOK 76.2 billion so far this year. This is a decrease of 7 per cent in volume, but an 8 per cent, or NOK 5.5 billion, increase in export value compared with the same period last year.
In September, Norway exported 203,000 tonnes of seafood worth NOK 8.7 billion. This is an increase in volume of 18 per cent, while the value increased by 14 per cent or NOK 1.1 billion from the same month last year.
So far this year, Norway has exported 806,000 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 52.3 billion. This is an increase in volume of 6 per cent, while the value has increased by 6 per cent or NOK 3.1 billion from the same period last year.
Norway exported 109,000 tonnes of salmon for NOK 6.1 billion in September. This is a volume increase of 24 per cent, while the value increased by 7 per cent or NOK 412 million. The average price for whole fresh salmon in September was NOK 50.08 per kg, compared with NOK 60.96 per kg in September 2018. So far this year, Poland, France and Denmark have imported the most salmon from Norway.
Led by fresh salmon, which is growing at 92 percent, we have seen positive development across all seafood export categories to the Chinese market. Exports of both mackerel and king crab have more than doubled their value compared to the same period last year. At the end of Q3, exports to China total NOK 1 billion, making China the largest growth market for Norwegian seafood so far this year.
The fascinating seafood market in South Korea craves Norwegian seafood
South Korea is a world leader in seafood consumption, and consumers know what they want. The latest study, launched during the Norwegian ministerial visit on October 16, shows that the origin of seafood is one of the most important pieces of information consumers are looking for at the point of purchase. This is precisely one of the reasons why Korean consumers have so enthusiastically adopted Norwegian seafood.
Year to date, Norway has exported 40,800 tonnes of trout worth NOK 2.6 billion. This is a 30 per cent increase in volume, and a 25 per cent, or NOK 516 million, increase in value from the same period last year. In September, Norway exported 5,420 tonnes of trout for NOK 325 million. This represents a volume increase of 46 per cent, while the value of trout exports has increased by 26 per cent or NOK 63 million. So far this year, the United States, Belarus and Thailand have been the largest importers of trout from Norway. ■