GROWTH IN NORWEGIAN MACKEREL EXPORTS TO CHINA

Growth in Norwegian mackerel exports to China. Demand for Norwegian mackerel from China is growing, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

In August, 8,900 tonnes of mackerel were exported with a value of NOK 158 million. Export volume increased by 100 percent, while export value increased by NOK 95 million or 148 percent. So far this year, 86,000 tonnes of mackerel have been exported to a value of NOK 1.1 billion. China, Vietnam and Thailand were the largest markets for mackerel in August.

“Although there has been a doubling in the volume of mackerel exports in August this year, this growth is from relatively low volumes. We anticipate the largest volumes of mackerel over the next two to three months when the mackerel season starts. It is, therefore, the growth in price that has mainly fuelled the growth in value this August. Prices have remained high since last fall as a result of lower catches and the recommended reduction of quotas for the current year”, says Seafood Analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council, Ingrid K. Pettersen.

“As we now enter this year’s season, we see that Norwegian mackerel exports to China are experiencing a marked increase,” says Victoria Braathen, Fisheries Envoy with the Norwegian Seafood Council in China.

“Mackerel to China is mainly used for processing and further export to markets such as Japan and Korea. At the same time, we are experiencing an increased interest in Norwegian mackerel in the Chinese market. Norwegian mackerel is aligned with consumer food trends in China with an increased focus on healthy and nutritious food and this shows considerable potential for increased consumption going forward.”

Meanwhile, Norway exported 12,500 tonnes of herring with a value of NOK 148 million in August. This is a 36 percent reduction in volume, while export values fell by NOK 44 million or 23 percent. So far this year, 182,000 tonnes of herring have been exported, worth NOK 1.7 billion. Lithuania, Poland, and the Netherlands were our largest herring markets in August.