Salmon demand leads to record July for Norwegian seafood exports
The value of Norwegian seafood exports jumped by 21% to a record July total of NOK 9.5 billion (£774 million) this year, led by increased earnings of NOK 6.9bn for farmed salmon.
Norway exported 103,100 tonnes of salmon last month, a volume increase of 10% and a value increase of NOK 1.3bn, or 24%, compared to July last year.
Poland, Denmark and France were the largest markets.
Record month
“We have never seen a stronger July month for salmon exports, either in volume or value. Increased tourism and a gradual reopening of the restaurant sector have increased demand for salmon compared to July last year,” said Paul Aandahl, seafood analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“China has been the most significant growth market for salmon in July, but this must be compared to a relatively weak July month last year.”
The volume of trout exported was 6,200 tonnes, a fall of 13% compared to the same month last year. However, value was up by NOK 36m (11%) to NOK 381m. Belarus, Ukraine, and Thailand were the largest markets for Norwegian trout in July.
9% higher than 2020
“Measured by value, this July is the best ever for Norwegian seafood exports. Salmon continues its growth trajectory from June, while we have also experienced a sharp increase in exports of snow crab and king crab,” said Tom-Jørgen Gangsø, director of market insight and market access with the Norwegian Seafood Council.
So far this year, seafood exports have totalled NOK 63.3bn, which is 9% more than in the same period last year.
“There are fewer restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic in a number of markets this summer when compared to last year. This has a positive effect on the demand,” said Gangsø.
