Salmon prices climb on strong Easter demand

Prices had been falling to levels not seen for several months mainly due to the upheaval created by President Trump’s tariff twists and turns.

Figures from Statistics Norway, which monitors prices on a weekly basis said they increased by two kroner to NOK 78.56 per kilo (£5.57) in week 15, which ended on 11 April. However, their figures are usually a few days behind and reports suggest they have since moved higher.

Demand during week 15 surged to just over 20,000 tonnes for the first time this year, almost certainly due to the approaching holiday and is expected to climb even further this week.

Frozen salmon exports were also up, rising by 54 tonnes to 664 tonnes with prices slightly up to NOK 76.87 per kilo (£5.45).

The salmon market has been in a state of considerable confusion following the tariff changes but at least has settled down for the next 10 weeks while Trump decides what to do next, having postponed his punitive tariffs for 90 days.

Prices had been falling but the Easter break, which is late in the calendar this year, has brought some relief.

Exports are saying producers have had some of their best sales since Christmas. Forward information suggests that prices have hit more than NOK 85 per kilo for six kilo fish.

Easter will be followed very shortly by the May Day holiday weekend, observed widely across Europe, when salmon demand is also strong. It is what happens after that which is worrying traders.