Another record month for Norwegian seafood exports

November proved to be another record month for Norwegian salmon exports with overall seafood sales rising by 19% to reach NOK 14.4bn (£2.2 bn).

So far this year the country’s recorded farmed and catch fish exports have totalled NOK 123bn (£10.25bn) – NOK 29.2bn (£2.4bn) more than over the same period in 2021.

Salmon export volumes fell marginally last month to 125,234 tonnes, but the value was up by 28%, reaching NOK 10.1bn (£840m), making it another record month for the pink fish.

Once again Poland, France and the US were the largest markets, with North America recording the largest increase. Sales to the U.S. rose by 87% to NOK 431m (£36m).

Christian Chramer, Norwegian Seafood Council CEO, said: “The export value in November is the third highest ever in a single month and confirms that Norwegian seafood still has a strong global position.

“It is nevertheless worth noting that the increase in demand is not from greater volume, but in increased prices.

“In general, we have a situation with high food inflation and increased costs, which are driving up prices throughout the value chain.”

He said price growth alone accounted for almost NOK 3bn of the total seafood exports of NOK 14.4bn in November. It was a particularly strong month for salmon, trout, pollock and cod, all of which achieved export records compared to November last year.

Farmed trout volumes were down by 25% to 4,897 tonnes but the value rose by 7% to NOK 454m (£37.8m).

The main markets for Norwegian trout are the US, Thailand and Lithuania. The latter bought 622 tonnes, a volume almost 1,000% higher than 12 months ago.

November was also a good month for fresh cod exports which increased by 43% to NOK 178m (almost £15m).

Farmed cod export figures are being published for the first time, accounting for 500 tonnes worth NOK 28m (£2.3m). Spain was the largest market, taking 200 tonnes.

Frozen cod exports fell by 33% to NOK 234m (£19.5m). Shrimp exports rose by 40% to NOK 112m (£9m).