Norwegian salmon prices are expected to move down in the coming week -- but negotiations over the exact prices are still ongoing -- and tough -- industry members told IntraFish Friday. 

Buyers in Europe are hesitant to commit and are at times waiting for prices to decrease, one source told IntraFish. He called it a "tough negotiation game" between buyers and sellers

IntraFish was told the asking price for salmon sized 3-6 kg is at NOK 56 (€6.30/$6.60) to NOK 57 (€6.40/$6.70) per kilogram.

However, buyers are trying to get it down to NOK 54 (€6.10/$6.40) to NOK 55 (€6.20/$6.50) per kilogram.

Prices paid so far are moving between NOK 54 (€6.10/$6.40) per kilogram in the north and NOK 56 (€6.30/$6.60) kilogram in southern Norway.

"The problem is that there is more fish on the market than requested," one exporter told IntraFish. "Retail prices have increased too much and consumption is declining."

European retailers have stopped their promotions on salmon and shoppers are now more likely to choose other proteins such as chicken.

Salmon prices take their toll on Polish smoking sector"Supermarket chains bought 30 to 40 percent less volumes this year from us," one European processor said.

IntraFish was informed of the following prices this Friday morning, with the higher prices reported in the south:

Size 2-3 kg -- NOK 48 (€5.40/$5.70) to NOK 50 (€5.60/$5.90) per kg

Size 3-6 kg -- NOK 54 (€6.10/$6.40) to NOK 56 (€6.30/$6.60) per kg

Size 6+ kg -- NOK 53 (€5.90/$6.30) to NOK 55 (€6.20/$6.50) per kg

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