Another surge in Norway exports

THE value of Norwegian farmed salmon exports rose sharply last month with a 26 per cent overall increase in sales.

The country’s salmon farmers shipped a total of 71,837 tonnes during February, slightly down in volume terms (by 472 tonnes). But continuing strong demand and rising prices pushed up earnings.

Paul T Aandahl, analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council, said: ‘A reduction in the supply of salmon at the beginning of the year, strong demand in our neighbouring markets and a favourable foreign currency situation are driving the price for salmon and consequently the value to new heights.’

The average export price for fresh whole salmon was NOK 55.05 per kg, a rise of 31 per cent or NOK 12.88 per kg compared with February 2015.

Europe, especially France, remains one of the most attractive markets. Salmon exports to the EU bloc last month totalled NOK three billion, an increase of 32 per cent or 735 tonnes from a year ago.Salmon exports to the Far East fell by nine per cent but US sales were up by 36 per cent to a total of NOK 240 million.