Sellers were left with a lot of leftover fish on their hands as this week drew to close, while authorities around Europe tighten restrictions on eating and drinking establishments aimed at combating rising numbers of coronavirus cases.

Exporters are already fretting about Christmas sales amid concern about further closures of bars, restaurants and cafes in Europe.

"It is completely hopeless," one exporter said, reporting prices between NOK39 and NOK41 (€3.57-3.75/$4.22-4.44) for fish between 3-6 kilos.

The bloodbath started Wednesday with customers refusing to pay more than NOK 35-38 (€3.20-3.47/$3.79-4.12), leading to a standoff between producers and buyers.

"There is a lot of leftover fish in the market. It is difficult - simply - it is filled with fish and a weak demand. In any case, no smaller fish will arrive next week. It does not create a good atmosphere exactly," an exporter said.

In this atmosphere buyers are sitting back.

"Prices fall down then. It's not very concrete. People lie and try to get a feel for what will happen," said a producer, who referenced to prices of between NOK 41.50-43 kroner.

The producer is unsure how coronavirus restrictions are impacting prices.

"I do not think it in isolation means much to salmon consumption - but may have caused nervousness in the salmon market so buyers wait even longer before making a decision."

Another exporter also reported much uncertainty in the market.

"What we hear now is mostly NOK38, 39 and 40. But there is still great uncertainty. There is a lot of volume next week, and there is fear of lower prices throughout the week due to more volume. And then it's quiet out in Europe because of the coronavirus.

Falling numbers

"We are down around five kroner from last week. One is skeptical here, because there is a lot of fish left in the market, it will be exciting to see over the week what happens," another exporter said.

"We are worried about how things will go with the Christmas sales if there are more closure in Europe. But there are large volumes and the fish go out. We are positive about that."

The price of fresh salmon increased to NOK 50 (€4.57/$5.42) according to figures from Statistics Norway in week 42. This is an increase of 2.9 percent compared with the previous week.

An IntraFish survey of market sources revealed the following prices.

3 – 4 kg: NOK 37–40 (€3.39-3.66/$4.01-4.34) /kg

4 – 5 kg: NOK 39–42(€3.57-3.84/$4.24-4.56)/kg

5 – 6 kg: NOK 41–43(€3.75-3.94/$4.45-4.70)/kg

6 kg +: NOK46–48 kg (€4.21-4.39/$4.99-5.21) [Delivered Gardermoen]

Prices

'It's completely hopeless': Bloody week ahead for salmon prices