The export value of Alaska salmon increased substantially in the July-November period of 2005, mostly the result of a major volume and value increase in frozen salmon. Volume of frozen salmon exports increased 45 percent for the July-November period, from 158 million to 229 million pounds. Value showed a similar increase (up 48 percent), significant considering the relatively high percentage (41 percent) of pink salmon.

Pink salmon exports for the period nearly doubled, up from 48 million to 94 million pounds. Most discussion of frozen pink exports centers around reprocessing in China, but China received only about 40 percent of frozen pink exports (38 million pounds) during the July-November period. European Union countries were a strong second in receipts of frozen pinks with 28 million pounds, 30 percent of the total. Thailand received about 15 million pounds of pink salmon (16 percent).

Frozen sockeye export volume for the July-November period increased by one-third. Japan received 72 million pounds of the total (81 percent). European Union and China each received slightly over 5.6 million pounds (6 percent) of U.S. frozen sockeye exports.

Fresh salmon exports show a significant percentage drop (down 52 percent) but make up a relatively minor portion of value for the July-November period, only about 4 percent. Fresh sockeye exports in 2005 went mostly to Canada and reflect round sockeye tendered to BC Canada for canning.

Export volume of salmon roe for the July-November period is up substantially (55 percent). Declared value also increased significantly, but did not match the volume increase.