Chaos in zalmvisserij na EU-importbeperkingen voor Noorwegen (en)

Exports of Norwegian salmon to the EU market may come to a complete halt tonight, as new EU anti-import measures have thrown the fisheries market into chaos, reports the NRK (the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation).

The Norwegian Seafood Federation has advised members to halt trucks on their way to the European markets with salmon and await further information on how to implement the new regulation from Brussels.

On Friday (4 February) it was announced by the European Commission that salmon imports from the world's largest salmon producers - Norway, Chile, Iceland and the Faeroe islands would be restricted.

As of this week, a quota based on current exports restricts the amount of salmon they are able to sell into the EU.

In addition, a minimum import price of 2.7 euro per kilo of salmon has been introduced, which will be raised from 15 April to 2.85 euro per kilo.

The proposals will last until August 2008 unless members states choose to remove them.

"This is badly arranged. We have had no further details but a five-page overall document, which has not offered much advice", said Astrid Holtan from the Norwegian ministry of Fisheries to Aftenposten.

"Imports have not been stopped, but one does not know at what price the fish is sold and how to operate this. Customs do not know how to relate to this, everybody in the business is confused", said Peter Bamberger from the Association of Danish Fish Processing Industries and Exporters to Aftenposten.

Brussels and Oslo have been arguing about farmed salmon imports for a long time.

Scottish and Irish salmon farmers have welcomed the import restrictions, while the Norwegian and Danish industries are protesting at what they call EU protectionism.

The Norwegian foreign minister, Jan Petersen, said the Norwegian salmon industry was efficient and competitive and operating without any sort of state subsidies.

The Norwegians are now considering whether to consult the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the issue.