Norway may soon export live snow crab to China, marking a significant opportunity for the fishing industry, especially in Finnmark. During recent talks in Beijing, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Affairs, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, met with the Chinese minister responsible for customs and veterinary affairs. The export of live Norwegian snow crab was a significant topic of discussion.
During the meeting, Sivertsen Næss highlighted the growing interest in live snow crab in several Asian markets. She stated that the species could evolve from a commodity to a brand, similar to how king crab did in the past.
Increased revenue potential
Snow crab, similar to king crab, has become one of Norway’s prominent export products to Asia and North America. Historically, China has been a closed market for this product, but Tor Davidsen, Director of International Policy at Seafood Norway, expresses hope that this breakthrough could lead to increased revenue for the fishing industry, especially in Finnmark.
Davidsen notes that they have been working for a long time to open up the market for live snow crab imports to China. It is one of the few products that have not been allowed in until now. He goes on saying that it has been a challenge, as China is likely the largest market worldwide for snow crab.
Government support and quotas
To facilitate this initiative, the Norwegian government has allocated specific quotas for live snow crab deliveries to Norwegian facilities. Davidsen pointed out that this development will significantly impact Finnmark, particularly given the current low cod quotas. “This can stimulate necessary activity along the coast,” he added.
Fisheries Minister Sivertsen Næss found the discussions with Chinese officials promising. “We received positive signals that China will likely soon approve the import of live snow crab. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority still has some work to do to finalize this process,” she explained.
A growing market for seafood
The Asian market has driven rapid growth in seafood exports in recent years. Earlier this year, the government decided that 10 percent of the total snow crab quota will be reserved for live snow crab deliveries starting in 2025, with this year’s quota set at 9,758 tons.
In March, Norway harvested 2,615 tons of snow crab, valued at 285 million kroner. “Access to the Chinese market could make snow crab even more profitable, leading to increased activity and positive ripple effects for Norway’s land industry,” added Sivertsen Næss.
china Norway export
Source: NRK
