Norway exported seafood worth NOK 15.5 billion in March, up 3 per cent from the same month last year. Strong demand from China played a key role in the increase, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.
China recorded the largest growth among all markets, with export value rising by NOK 552 million, or 68 per cent, to a total of NOK 1.4 billion. Increased shipments of salmon were the main driver, with export volumes of fresh whole salmon to China rising by 61 per cent compared with March last year.
The growth in China helped offset declining exports to the United States, where higher tariffs and currency effects reduced demand. Overall, exports to Asia accounted for 23 per cent of Norway’s seafood trade in March, up five percentage points year-on-year.
Norwegian seafood exporters also faced logistical challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, affecting air freight routes and costs. Despite this, demand across Asian markets remained strong, with additional growth seen in Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan.
Salmon continued to dominate exports, with 106,000 tonnes shipped globally in March, valued at NOK 10.5 billion. The Norwegian Seafood Council said rising demand in Asia, particularly in China, continues to support export volumes despite higher prices.
