Norwegian farmed salmon market sources are reporting higher prices for fish to be delivered next week.
The exact level was yet to be determined by Friday afternoon, but prices will increase across all sizes by an estimated NOK 3-4 (€0.29-0.39/$0.34-0.45) from last week, one exporter told IntraFish.
Another exporter said prices being quoted by farmers are expensive, a view shared by his European customers.
The exporter said few fish have been processed.
"It simply seems as if there are small quantities available. Not all customers are getting what they are asking for," he said.
Higher volumes of winter sores on fish have taken their toll on supply. The sores impact the fish quality, which in severe cases can result in the fish being downgraded to what's known as a "production fish."
Under Norwegian regulations, sellers holding volumes of this production fish must first offer it to the domestic market before exporting it overseas. The rules were put in place to maintain minimum quality levels for Norwegian product in global markets.
Typically less than 10 percent of Norway's salmon are production fish on average, but in the winter the proportion may be higher due to sores and other health issues.
The exporter estimated the proportion of production fish in the Norwegian market is currently running between 20 to 30 percent.
The source estimated prices of NOK 53–NOK 54 (€5.27-€5.37/$6.03-$6.14) for production fish weighing 3 kilograms and over.
A third exporter reported a shortage of fish everywhere all week, with less fish fish processed because of cold sea temperatures and poor growth rates.
The exporter reported an average price for producers in northern Norway of NOK 75-NOK 77 (€7.46-€7.66/$8.53-$8.76) on industrial sizes from 3-6 kilos.
A farmer in northern Norway reported "good prices" and an increase of NOK 4 (€0.39/$0.45) on average from last Friday, adding that supply is declining, as is typical for the season.
An IntraFish survey of market source revealed the following prices:
- 3–4 kg NOK 73 -NOK 75 (€7.26-€7.66/$8.30-$8.76)/kg
- 4–5 kg NOK 74-NOK 76 (€7.36-€7.56/$8.41-$8.64) /kg
- 5–6 kg NOK 77 (€7.66/$8.76)/kg
- 6 kg+ NOK 77-NOK 80 (€7.66-€7.96/$8.76-$9.09)