Klippfisk is salted and dried cod for consumption, which is so important for Norwegians who have an academy called Klippfisk Akademiet

Clipfish sales abroad record strong growth

Norwegian exports of clipfish in the first quarter increased in volume by 17 per cent and in value by 17 per cent aided by strong exports to Brazil, West Africa and Jamaica, as reported by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC).

In the first three months of the year, 25,000 tonnes of clipfish were sent abroad, valued at NOK 1.1 billion (USD 12.4 million). In March, 6,400 tonnes of clipfish were exported with a value of NOK 285 million (USD 33.3 million), representing an increase of 1 per cent in volume, and a 2 per cent growth in value.

In the case of salted fish sales abroad in the analysed quarter, there was a decrease in volume of 24 per cent, and in value by 16 per cent. Portugal, Greece and Spain were the main export markets.

“The first quarter of 2019 has seen the lowest salted fish export volumes since 2009 when we were in the middle of a financial crisis and when difficult market conditions made it difficult to secure export markets for salted fish. This year, reduced access to raw materials is probably the main reason for the lower levels of exports this year, together with high first-hand prices, which entails increased risk," explains NSC analyst Ingrid K. Pettersen.

"Normally, March, April and May are the months when the most salted fish is exported, so there is still time for exports to pick up somewhat”, adds Pettersen

►DYBVIK clipfish traditional (1kg-1.5kg), packed in 10 kg carton

In March, 4,100 tonnes of salted fish were exported with a value of NOK 233 million, which is a decrease in volume of 24 per cent and in value by 15 per cent.

Norway also exported whole stockfish in the first quarter with a volume drop of 17 per cent but a value increase by 5 per cent. Italy, Nigeria and Croatia were the main markets.

“After a year of weak price development for cod stockfish, the year started with a 25 per cent rise in prices compared to last year. As expected, export volumes have fallen this year due to an unusually cold winter and so lower volumes of fish available for drying last year”, points out Pettersen.

Norway exported 106,000 tonnes of herring to a value of NOK 851 million during the first quarter, which is an increase in volume of 20 per cent, and a value growth of 13 per cent. Egypt, Lithuania and Poland were the main markets.

"By the time we reel in our purse seines, the sea has done the majority of the work in slowly raising our deliciously fatty herring. It then becomes our duty to maintain the quality that nature has provided." (SeafoodFromNorway)

“In 2019, exports of frozen herring fillet, especially to the German market, have reduced. At the same time, exports of frozen whole herring to Egypt have increased. A change in the product mix for herring exports has contributed to the average price for herring falling from NOK 8.52 per kg the first quarter of 2018 to NOK 8.01 per kg in 2019", states Paul T. Aandahl.

In March, 32,000 tonnes of herring were exported with a value of NOK 277 million, representing an increase in volume of 18 per cent, and an growth in export value of 39 per cent.

In the case of mackerel, its sales abroad decreased in volume by 1 per cent, while its export value increased by 32 per cent. China, South Korea and Japan were the largest markets.

“The price increases are a consequence of the expected decline in the supply of mackerel in 2019, and have contributed to record export values for mackerel in the first quarter. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to the mackerel fishing in the British zone has been implemented earlier than during the same period in 2018. This has contributed to increased volumes delivered to Norway in 2019 compared to the same period last year", points out Aandahl.

"Norway is proud of all its seafood, but with 98% of our total mackerel catches exported around the world, it’s safe to say that this fish holds an important place within our economy." (SeafoodFromNorway)

In March, 13,000 tonnes of mackerel were exported with a value of NOK 227 million, representing a decrease in volume by 8 per cent but a value increase by 21 per cent.

Norway’s king crab exports grew in volume and in value, by 17 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively. South Korea, the United States and Spain were the largest recipients. 

(NOK 1 = USD 0.11672)

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Address:	Stortorget 1 - P.O.Box 6176
City:	Tromsø
State/ZIP:	(N-9291)
Country:	Norway
Phone:	+47 776 033 33
Fax:	+47 776 800 12
E-Mail:	[email protected]
Skype:	https://www.instagram.com/norges_sjomatrad/
More about:

Print