Norwegian herring and mackerel exports see gains. Norway exported 106,000 tonnes of herring to a value of NOK 851 million during the first quarter of 2019. This is an increase in volume of 20 per cent, and an increase in value of NOK 100 million or 13 per cent. Egypt, Lithuania and Poland were the main markets for Norwegian herring in the first quarter.
“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,” says Paul T. Aandahl, seafood analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“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.”
In March 2019, 32,000 tonnes of herring were exported with a value of NOK 277 million. This is an increase in volume of 18 per cent, and an increase in export value of NOK 78 million or 39 per cent.
Norway exported 51,300 tonnes of mackerel to a value of NOK 861 million in the first quarter of 2019. This is a decrease in volume of 1 per cent, while export value increased by NOK 207 million or 32 per cent. China, South Korea and Japan were the largest markets for Norwegian mackerel in the first quarter.
“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”, says Paul T. Aandahl.
In March 2019, 13,000 tonnes of mackerel were exported with a value of NOK 227 million. This is a decrease in volume of 8 per cent, while export value increased by NOK 39 million or 21 per cent.