In April 2025, Norway’s seafood exports reached a record high, totaling 14.3 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 1.33 billion U.S. dollars). This marked a 2% increase compared to the same month the previous year, despite global trade uncertainties and declining salmon prices. The growth was driven by increased export volumes and rising demand in key markets such as China and the United States.
Exports to China rose 14% year-on-year to 913.8 million Norwegian kroner in April. This growth is attributed to strong underlying demand in the Chinese salmon market and competitive pricing of Norwegian salmon. Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, noted a shift in salmon exports from Europe to overseas markets like Asia and the United States, facilitated by warmer sea temperatures and fewer biological challenges, which contributed to a higher volume of superior-quality salmon, offsetting falling prices.
The United States continued to lead in value growth for the fourth consecutive month, with exports reaching 1.4 billion Norwegian kroner in April, a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. However, Chramer mentioned that April was characterized by uncertainty related to the introduction of increased tariffs to the United States, and it is too early to determine the effect on Norwegian seafood exports.
From January to April, Norway’s seafood exports totaled 58.5 billion Norwegian kroner, up 7.3% compared to the same period in 2024.
Additionally, a survey by the Norwegian Seafood Council indicated that approximately 78% of Chinese consumers expressed willingness to pay more for sustainable seafood, highlighting a growing emphasis on sustainability in consumer preferences.
Source: Xinhua News, Seafood.no
