This is an increase of NOK 338 million, or 4 per cent, compared with April last year. Thus, the positive development from last month continues.
The value of seafood exports in March and April has never been higher in these two months. Nevertheless, Renate Larsen emphasizes that there are still challenging times for parts of the industry.
After a strong start in 2021, export figures show a decline for both herring and mackerel in April.
In 2021, the Norwegian krone has strengthened. This means that Norwegian seafood exporters are paid less for their goods than at the same time last year.
The value of salmon exports in April was the second-highest ever April. It was only beaten by April 2019, which was then NOK 6.2 billion.
3,800 tonnes of trout worth NOK 246 million were exported in April. The volume fell by 10 per cent. The value increased by NOK 11 million, or 5 per cent, compared with April last year. The USA, Ukraine and Belarus were the largest markets for Norwegian trout in April.
Despite continued shutdowns in several of our main markets, exports of fresh cod increased sharply in April.
The season for quality-labelled cod has now ended, and 2021 ended with a total export value of NOK 195 million and an export volume of 4,700 tonnes.
Spain is still the most important quality-labelled cod market, and this year 25 per cent of direct exports went here.
Norway exported 4,800 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 202 million in April. There is a reduction in the volume of 14 per cent. The value fell by NOK 90 million, or 31 per cent, compared with April last year.
There is a decline in volume and low prices for clipfish of cod, which is due to a decline in our largest market Portugal. Saithe clipfish also have a decrease in volume after a solid March.
In April, more than 80 per cent of the salted fish was exported to Portugal, which has a volume growth of 8 per cent. Significantly lower prices mean that the export value falls despite the increased volume, says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan with the Norwegian Seafood Council. ■
Brazil currently the chair of Mercosur has opened a consultation period until December 18 on a possible trade agreement between the South American block and the United Arab Emirates.