Norwegian salmon prices have reached their highest level since Norway began compiling price data in 2000, as a result of few salmon being processed.  

"It's totally out of control and now only those who absolutely have to supply will buy," said one exporter.  On Friday afternoon, the exporter reported that the price increased by nearly 10 Norwegian Kroner (1.03 euros / $1.12) per kilo than the price a week earlier.  While demand continues to rebound, he says, almost no salmon is being processed.  

Seafood Norway reported this week that the number of salmon in net cages in Norway was 4% lower by the end of March year-on-year.  The exporter said the high prices brought challenge because the amount of money covered by credit insurance had reached its limit.  "Some customers now have to pay in advance.  The sums and risks start to get quite high, "he said.  

"It's only going to get worse, the prices are ridiculous.  We'll see.  Demand from producers is more than NKR115 (11.94 euros / $12.92), but so far we haven't bought anything, "the second exporter said.  

A third exporter bought some major weight classes of fish at NOK 116-120 (12.04-12.45 euro /13.03-13.48 US dollars) per kilo.  "There is no problem to put it on the market, at least earlier this week, you need to pay around 120 Norwegian Kroner (12.45 euros /13.48 dollars) kg," the exporter said.  

For the biggest fish, the price is even higher.  "For air packaged fish over 6 kg, more than 130 NOK (13.49 euros /14.61 DOLLARS) per kilo is paid and shipped to Oslo," he said, noting that European processors that had delayed purchases had now started making purchases.  

Some buyers balked at the NKR80-90 price (8.30-9.34 euros /8.99-10.12 dollars), but since they return to the market the volume of fish purchases will rise further.  

However, not everyone agrees with these price levels.  "It's kind of like coming up with a number.  The price can easily be offered a  rise or fall of NOK 5 (€0.51 / $0.56) per kilo, "a fourth exporter said.