ICELANDIC SEAFOOD EXPORTS INCREASE

Icelandic seafood exports increase. In 2018 the export production of Icelandic marine products amounted to 240 billion ISK and increased by 22% from the previous year, 24% at constant prices. The total export in 2018 was 670 thousand tonnes which is 61 thousand tonnes more than in 2017.

Frozen products generated 46.7% of the export value, while iced/chilled products were 24.9%. The greatest value was generated by frozen cod, 39,4 billion ISK. Most of the export value comes from sales to the UK 15.3% and France 11.3%.

Meanwhile, the landed catch of Icelandic vessels in May 2019 was 122,166 thousand tonnes which is a 13% decrease from May 2018. Demersal catch was 48 thousand tonnes in May, 7% more than in May 2018. Flatfish catch decreased by 11% between years and shellfish catch decreased by 29%. Pelagic catch decreased by 23%.

In the 12 month period from June 2018 to May 2019 the total catch was nearly 1,096 thousand tonnes and has decreased by 14% compared with the same period a year earlier. This decrease is due to less pelagic catch. Icelandic seafood exports increase