Norwegian salmon is changing direction.
Where exports once flowed west toward the United States, they are now increasingly heading east – to China, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“Lower salmon prices, a weaker US dollar, reduced quotas for several wild fish species and tougher competition in important markets meant that Norwegian seafood exports fell in January,” said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
In January, China marked a new milestone in Norwegian seafood exports. For the first time ever, exports of Norwegian salmon to China exceeded one billion Norwegian kroner in a single month. Nearly 11,000 tonnes of salmon products were shipped to Chinese consumers, representing an 86 percent increase in volume and a 34 percent rise in value compared to the same month last year.
The contrast with the US market is notable. In January, Norwegian seafood exports to the United States fell by 37 percent.
“High and unpredictable tariffs and a weaker dollar have created great uncertainty and challenges in the USA,” Chramer said.
Just one year ago, the US was Norway’s largest single market. Today, it has been overtaken – and its importance continues to decline.
China now stands out as the most viable alternative. Lower salmon prices have strengthened competitiveness, while Chinese New Year has provided a seasonal boost in demand. At the same time, market access has proven more predictable than in the US.
“The export volume for salmon increased significantly in January, with major changes in the flow of goods to different markets,” said Paul T. Aandahl, seafood analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“Uncertainty in global trade and a weak dollar have shifted exports from the US to Asia, especially China.”
In the current market, China stands out as one of the few destinations delivering clear growth for Norwegian seafood.
