newstodate.aero

Jan 31, 2020 (newstodate): The developing Chinese Corona virus crisis has a deep impact on Norway's seafood exports.
   Almost all airlines have now suspended their China-bound flights, and exporters are faced with the task of finding alternative markets for the salmon that must be harvested according to production schemes.
   -It is a challenge for exporters as disruptions in the demand/supply balance will naturally affect commodity prices in the market place, says Morten Wurgler, DBV Schenker Senior Director, Head of Air Freight.
   -On the other hand, the soft air cargo market takes a welcoming approach to seafood shipments that are traditionally a low-rate commodity. In the current market situation, airlines thus seem to be only happy to load seafood shipments to fill up cargo space otherwise in excess, says Mr Wurgler.
   So far, Hong Kong Airport is still open for China-bound seafood exports, and the traffic is also marked by the Chinese New Year, where volumes are normally down.
   Statistics on salmon exports to China and Hong Kong cover only the first four weeks of 2020, with volumes rather unchanged against last year - totalling 1,854 tonnes against 1,817 tonnes to China, and 1,064 against 1,120 tonnes to Hong Kong.
   A new picture will emerge after the end of the Chinese New Year season where volumes would normally pick up again.