Salmon prices down again

The downward movement in salmon prices, and erratic export figures over the past month, have left more than a few people scratching their heads.

According to Statistics Norway, the average export price of fresh and chilled fish in week 45 was NOK 54.86 per kilo, down 2.2% on the previous week.

This is the third successive week that prices have dropped when normally they should have been on an upward path, with the peak Christmas buying season approaching.

While the figures from Statistics Norway usually trail by a week, it looks as if the much predicted festive “gold rush” has yet to materialise; but that picture could change in the next couple of weeks. Breeders will be watching with interest.

It is only a few days ago that some reports from Norway were starting to rise quite sharply, with breeders saying they were back to the position of just over a month ago.

It is also being reported that salmon companies are struggling to get transport to get their fish to market due to a shortage of drivers. Logistical problems, it seems, are not only affecting the UK.

Exports too should be on the up, but instead they fell by 2.4% to 24,527 tonnes. Exports of frozen salmon fell very slightly totalling 679 tonnes at a price of NOK 58.66 a kilo against NOK 58.77 in week 44.

The price includes all weight classes, qualities and all fish sold, including the one that has been sold on contract. The reported price is the price at the border, and includes, among other things, shipping and terminal costs.