– Norwegian seafood exports have left behind a historically good first half year. This is what Acting CEO Børge Grønbech of the Norwegian Seafood Council says in a press release. So far this year, Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 70.1 billion. That is 16.4 billion higher than at the same time last year, an increase of 31 percent. Thus, after six months this year, the export value for the whole of 2015 has been exceeded. The main reasons for the record are increased food prices in the world, lower supply of raw materials and a strong growth in demand, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council. Pandemic effect The fact that the pandemic is over is a strong reason for the increase in exports, says salmon analyst Paul T. Aandahl in the Norwegian Seafood Council to news. – It is especially the fact that the restaurants have opened after the pandemic that has been a very strong contributor. Countries that eat seafood, such as France and the United States, are increasing the most compared to previous years. Poland, which processes much of the seafood from Norway, is still the largest importer, but is experiencing weaker growth. Decrease in volume – increase in price Despite the record half-year, the total volume of exports has fallen. – In a historical perspective, we see that years without growth in volume globally give strong price growth. This is the fourth time since 2010 that the price has risen, says Aandahl in the Seafood Council. Salmon accounts for two thirds of the value of exports so far this year. Although the volume fell by 5 per cent compared with the first half of last year, the value of salmon exports increased by NOK 13.2 billion. The average price for fresh whole salmon has increased from NOK 58.29 to NOK 87.37 per kilo compared to the same time last year. The export price of fresh salmon in week 25 was NOK 97.43, according to Statistics Norway. High salmon price is not only positive For Kvarøy Fish Farming on Nord-Helgeland, the high salmon price has given record sales so far this year. – It has been an incredible price development, says general manager Alf-Gøran Knutsen to news. – There were some expectations that the price would go up a bit due to smaller volume, but that it would go as high as it has done the first half year is absolutely fantastic. 90 percent of the salmon from Indre Kvarøy is sent to the USA. Knutsen says that the customers there have anticipated the price increase, and that the company therefore sells the salmon at a kilo price over a hundred kroner. INCREASE: Salmon prices have skyrocketed in 2022, setting new export records for Norwegian seafood. Photo: Kirsti Kringstad But the high salmon price is not exclusively positive. – We do not build a market, and therefore there will be a downturn when production increases. It is not good at all, says Knutsen in Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett. In addition, Knutsen mentions that ongoing projects with farming on land and offshore will mean that more salmon will gradually enter the market. – This will mean that the price will go down. Although the income is formidable, the cost of producing salmon has also increased. This is because the shipping price of salmon feed has risen sharply as a result of unrest in the world, says Knutsen. – You constantly move the limit for how high a price you must have to make a profit. Satisfied Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Bjørnar Skjæran (Labor Party) is brilliantly satisfied with the figures in the first half of the year. MINISTER: Bjørn Skjæran (Labor Party) is very pleased with the figures for the first half of 2022. Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / news – Over NOK 70 billion in six months are very impressive figures. This shows how important the sector is for value creation, safe jobs and activity along the coast, he says in the press release from the Seafood Council. – I am glad that Norwegian seafood has products and a brand that is in high demand internationally, even in turbulent times. Nevertheless, we must be prepared for changing prices in the future.
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Norway exported seafood worth NOK 70 billion in the first half of 2022 – news Nordland
