Photo: credit Terje Engo

World market situation for Norwegian mackerel and herring

NORWAY
Monday, December 06, 2021, 05:30 (GMT + 9)

Decline in mackerel exports

•     Norway exported 43,100 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 764 million in November.
•     There is a decrease in export volume of 25 per cent compared to November last year.
•     Export value fell by NOK 165 million, or 18 per cent, compared with November last year.
•     South Korea, Japan and China were the largest markets for Norwegian mackerel in November.

With a record-breaking start to the season and high export volumes in August, September and October, exports were expected to slow down somewhat in November.

Record mackerel quota

“At the same time, we see that there is very good demand for Norwegian mackerel. With a record quota of over 300,000 tonnes, prices have so far this year been below last year. In November, however, prices rose sharply and passed last year's prices by a good margin", says Jan Eirik Johnsen, Pelagic Species Manager with the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Solid growth to South Korea

The average price of mackerel to the important Asian markets was NOK 18.35 per kg in November this year against NOK 16.21 per kg in the same period last year, an increase of 13 per cent. Exports to South Korea were particularly strong in November, with 14,400 tonnes.

“In South Korea, we see a strong demand for Norwegian mackerel. This is due to increased home consumption through the corona pandemic. New sales channels such as online shopping have made Norwegian quality mackerel more accessible to Koreans. A decrease in own landings of mackerel has also contributed”, says Johan Kvalheim, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Japan and South Korea.

Tightening demand for herring

•     Norway exported 52,700 tonnes of herring worth NOK 640 million in November.
•     Export volume fell by 2 per cent, compared with November last year.
•     Export value increased by NOK 50 million, or 8 per cent, compared with the same period last year.
•     Egypt, Poland and Lithuania were the largest markets for Norwegian herring in November.

The strong demand for Norwegian herring in the markets continues. This is reflected in solid prices and higher volumes.

Good development in prices

“Only once before has the average price for herring been higher in November than this year. That was in 2016, but then the quota was only 40 per cent of what it is today. The average price of whole frozen herring was NOK 8.14 per kg in November against NOK 7.28 per kg in the same period last year. This is an increase of 23 per cent, at the same time as the quota this year increased by 24 per cent compared to last year”, says Jan Eirik Johnsen, Pelagic Species Manager with the Norwegian Seafood Council.

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