Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council/FIS

Norwegian Exports: Growth for Herring and Record Prices for Mackerel

Value Jumps 38% for Herring in September, While Mackerel Sees Historic Price Records Despite Quota Concerns

Norway's seafood export industry saw significant activity in September and the third quarter (Q3), driven by strong growth in herring and record-setting prices for mackerel.

Herring Exports Surge on Consumption Demand

In September, Norway exported 13,800 tons of herring, generating a value of NOK 301 million (approximately US$ 30.2 million). This represents an increase in value of 38 percent, or NOK 82 million (approximately US$ 8.2 million), compared to September of last year, accompanied by a volume growth of 34 percent.

Jan Eirik Johnsen, responsible for pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council, noted that the volume growth is not due to an increase in catch but to a higher proportion of the catch being directed towards consumption and, subsequently, export. This must be seen in the context that the export volume in September 2024 was the lowest since 1991.

• Top Markets: The largest markets for herring in September were Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

• Whole Frozen Herring: Germany and Poland are the dominant markets for herring fillets, while Egypt and Nigeria lead for whole frozen herring.

  • Jan Eirik Johnsen, responsible for pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council explained that a downward trend in prices for whole frozen herring (both North Sea herring and Norwegian spring-spawning herring) has allowed larger volumes to be purchased by Nigeria, a price-sensitive market.

• Quota Advice Increase: On September 30, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advised a 534,000 tonnes quota for Norwegian spring-spawning herring for the coming year, an increase of 33 percent and the second consecutive year the advice has risen.

Q3 Herring Performance:

Over the third quarter, Norway exported 37,551 tonnes of herring valued at NOK 783 million (approximately US$ 77.4 million). This marked a 6 percent (NOK45 million or approximately US$ 4.45 million) increase in value and a 7 percent growth in volume compared to Q3 of last year. Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands remained the top markets.

Mackerel Reaches Price Records Amidst Quota Cuts

In September, mackerel exports totaled 52,100 tonnes, bringing in NOK 2.2 billion (approximately US$ 220.7 million). The value increased by 32 percent, or NOK 534 million (approximately US$ 53.56 million), despite an 18 percent drop in volume. Japan, Vietnam, and China were the largest markets

By the end of the month, the Norwegian fleet had taken nearly 90 percent of this year's 152,000 tonnes quota, an unusually high proportion so early in the season due to an early fishery start and "very good fishing in the Norwegian Sea in September," according to Johnsen.

• Price Record: Scarcity, driven by quota declines and weak supply, has pushed prices to a new peak. A "solid price record" was set for whole frozen mackerel under 600 grams at NOK 42.01 per kilo (approximately US$ 4.21 per kilo). The previous record was set only a month earlier at NOK 36.64.

• Gloomy Backdrop: The price surge is set against a dire warning from ICES, which recommends a "historically low" 70 percent cut to the total mackerel quota for next year, down to 174,000 tonnes, citing the stock falling below a critical level.

Q3 Mackerel Performance:

In the third quarter, Norway exported 70,112 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 2.9 billion (approximately US$ 286.5 million). The value increased by 22 percent (NOK520 million or approximately US$ 51.38 million), while volume fell by 22 percent. Japan, Vietnam, and China were the top markets for the quarter.

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