Norwegian salmon prices for delivery next week edged higher this week amid improved demand, market sources told IntraFish.

Average prices for salmon ended at NOK 57 (€5.94/$6.85) last week, according to Nasdaq's salmon price index, a sharp turnaround from a week 19 peak of NOK 75 (€7.43/$9.02) -- the highest salmon price in almost a year.

Exporters and farmers said Friday prices are up, with improved demand and less volume on the market.

One exporter projected agreements would be inked in the mid-NOK 50s (€5.45/$6.61) to NOK 60s (€5.94/$7.22).

"Prices are are few cents up, but it's tough. We have to push the fish out, there is a lot of volume to go out," the exporter said.

A famer in northern Norway said there is a noticeable increase in prices, with main industry sizes selling for between NOK 59-NOK 65 (€5.85-6.44/$7.09-7.82)

"Despite the bad weather, it's a good day," the farmer told IntraFish.

Prices began to firm earlier in the week thanks to bargain hunting, when levels were around NOK 54-58 (€5.35-6.15/6.50-$7.45). He's hoping to see prices lift to the NOK 58-62 (€5.75-6.15/$6.98-7.45) in the coming months. Beyond high prices, however, the farmer said more than anything, the industry needs some stability.

"There are going to be a lot of ups and downs now," the farmer said. "We had hoped for a stable summer."

Another exporter said prices are somewhat lower, but noted there is a high variability currently.

For fish between 3–6 kilos, he put the prices at between NOK 57-61 (€5.94-6.04/$6.85-7.33). Another farmer reported slightly higher numbers.

An IntraFish survey of market sources revealed the following prices.

3–4 kg: NOK 57–60 (€5.94-5.65/$6.85-7.21)/ kg
4–5 kg: NOK 58– 62 (€5.75-6.15/$6.98-7.45)/ kg
5–6 kg: NOK 61–65 (€6.04-6.44/$7.33-7.81)/ kg

Prices

Norwegian farmed salmon prices edge higher as bargain hunters enter the market