Prices for Norwegian farmed salmon are on the decline, but sources are reporting to IntraFish differing opinions on just how much prices are slipping.

Most market sources report prices on either side of NOK 60 (€5.92/$7.03)/kg - one producer staunchly claims prices are closer to NOK 67 (€6.61/$7.85)/kg.

"He must be both deaf and blind," said one exporter.

On Wednesday before Easter, salmon for this week was traded close to NOK 70 (€6.91/$8.20). If the current level ends up at around NOK 60 (€5.92/$7.03)/kg this means a price drop of as much as NOK 10 (€0.99/$1.17) / kg.

Another exporter reported a tough week.

Many bought for NOK 68-69 (€6.71-6.81/$7.97-8.09)/ kg on Wednesday before Easter. They sold that fish on this week for prices down to NOK 62 (€6.12/$7.27)/kg. There are many who have bled a lot, he says.

The exporter is unsurprised that prices are now falling sharply, down to NOK 60 (€5.92/$7.03)/ kg.

"I'm rather surprised that they stayed so high, for so long," the exporter said.

Another exporter said he doesn't see the decline others are reporting. "The lowest sale we have made is NOK 65 (€6.42/$7.62) this week."

He said things are going well, but cautioned, "There can be some challenges in getting cars from Finnmark. The weather there has been good for a few days, so it can be good cod fishing the last few days," the exporter said.

"It was tough today. Everything looked fine for lunch yesterday - then there was an abrupt stop. It's almost down NOK 10 (€0.99/$1.17). Fish has been sold for less than NOK 60 (€5.92/$7.03), he said

Another exporter reported prices of around NOK 64 (€6.32/$7.50)

"No, that's not true at all. There is full weekend slaughter in many places. For 3-4 kilos of large fish, there are prices below NOK 60 (€5.92/$7.03) / kg, he said.

One producer reported a wide range, and far higher prices than the others.

"It is common for prices to fall after Easter, but usually more than this week. Some players try to buy for NOK 60 (€5.92/$7.03), but we still manage to get NOK 67 (€6.61/$7.86). There is an underlying good demand, both at Easter and now. The market in Europe is very, very good, he says.

There is also good demand in China, the producer reported.

Norwegian salmon is doing well there since there is little access to salmon from other countries, including Chile in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A fifth exporter reports a fall in prices of up to NOK 10 (€0.99/$1.17)/kg.

"Scottish salmon has been much cheaper than Norwegian this week, and now the Norwegian is coming down as well," the exporter said.

An IntraFish survey of market sources revealed the following prices.

2-3kg NOK 53-57 (€5.23-5.63/$6.21-6.69)

3-4kg NOK 58-63 (€5.73-6.22/$6.80-7.39)

4-5 kg NOK 60-66 (€5.92-6.52/$-7.03-7.73)

5-6 kg NOK 60-66 (€5.92-6.52/$-7.03-7.73)

6kg + Close to NOK 70 (€6.91/$8.20) (FOB Airfreight Terminal Oslo)

Salmon

Norwegian salmon prices are falling, but by how much? Market sources can't agree