Norwegian seafood exports hit new all-time record
NORWEGIAN seafood exports hit a new record last year, earning the country’s fishermen and fish farmers revenue of NOK 120.8bn (£10bn).
At NOK 81.4bn (£6.6bn), salmon accounted for around two-thirds of that total.
In volume terms, Norway sold just over three million tonnes of seafood of all types, making fish its second largest export earner after oil and gas.
The main species export figures for 2021 were:
• Salmon NOK 81.4bn (+ 16%) • Cod NOK 9.8bn (+ 2%) • Mackerel NOK 5.9bn (+ 18%) • Herring NOK 4.2bn (+11%) • Trout NOK 4bn (+ 5%) Norwegian Seafood Council CEO Renate Larsen said: “We are in the very favourable position that we have products that the whole world wants – even in times of crisis.
“This has resulted in demand growth, record volumes and a total export value that Norway has never experienced before.
It is impressive and shows that Norwegian seafood is one of our most important industries of the future.”
Fisheries Minister Bjørnar Skjæran added: “Through a challenging year, the seafood industry has delivered fantastic results.
“The Government has very high ambitions for the seafood industry. Together with all the skilled professionals in the seafood industry, we will continue to work for further growth in the export of climate-friendly food and more activity along the coast.”
Salmon exports total 1.3 million tonnes, a volume rise of 13% on 2020 and the value increasing by 16% or NOK 11.3bn (almost £1bn).
Seafood Council analyst Paul T Aandahl said: “Despite the Covid-19 pandemic still making its mark on the markets, we had another record year for Norwegian salmon exports.
“A reopening of society, increased socialisation and open restaurants raised demand in 2021. Salmon has obviously adapted to the new ways of buying food, such as home delivery and takeaway.”
Although volumes were down by 12%, it was also a reasonably good year for farmed trout, with the value increasing by 5% or
NOK 181m (£15m) to NOK 4bn (approx. £330m). Prices were boosted by a reduction in output last year.
Larsen warned, however, that people must be careful not to interpret export growth as delivering increased profitability for everyone, adding: “Challenges with market access and increased costs related to operations, purchasing and distribution led to weakened margins in parts of the industry last year.
“In order to develop, invest and continue to be a leading seafood nation, the industry needs secure framework conditions and good market access.”