Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council/FIS

Record Exports for Norwegian Snow Crab and King Crab as Geopolitics Reshape Trade

Record-Breaking Snow Crab and Strong US Demand for King Crab Drive Growth, While Prawns Navigate a Complex Trade Landscape

OSLO—The Norwegian shellfish sector posted a robust performance in August 2025, with a significant surge in crab exports driven by changing global market dynamics. While coldwater prawns faced challenges in volume, the industry demonstrated its agility in adapting to new trade realities, including sanctions against Russia and tariffs on Canadian products.

According to data from the Norwegian Seafood Council, led by shellfish expert Josefine Voraa, the combined export value of crab and prawns surpassed $15 million, a testament to the sector's strategic positioning.

King Crab Market Shifts to the US

Norway exported 195 tonnes of king crab in August, generating a value of approximately $11.64 million. This represented a 16% increase in value from the same period last year, despite a 10% decline in volume. This growth was fueled by a dramatic shift in demand. Following sanctions on Russian crab in the United States in 2022, the U.S. has increasingly sought frozen red king crab from Norway, driving prices to record levels.

"This is reflected in the export figures for August. Exports of live king crab fell by 120 tonnes and are back to levels seen more than ten years ago, while exports of frozen king crab were the strongest in August since 2012," explained Voraa.

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The United States saw an increase in export value of approximately $6.07 million, a remarkable 263% rise from last year. The export volume to the USA hit 137 tonnes, up 155%.

Snow Crab Season Extension Leads to Record Exports

The snow crab market also saw a record-breaking month. Norway exported 270 tonnes of snow crab worth approximately $5.27 million in August, a staggering 706% increase in value and 446% increase in volume. This was largely due to a new regulation that extended the snow crab season, leading to a glut of landings.

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"These are levels we have not seen since the start of snow crab exports ten years ago," said Voraa. Despite increased customs duties, over 63% of the volume went to the United States, where the average price per kilogram rose from approximately $13.23 last year to $19.50 this year. The USA had the highest growth in value, with an increase of approximately $2.89 million.

Prawns Navigate a Complex Global Market

The coldwater prawn market presented a more complex picture. Norway exported 3,140 tonnes of prawns valued at approximately $15.62 million in August. While the total value increased by 2%, the volume fell by 9% due to weaker landings in the Barents Sea.

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However, Norway's strategic positioning in the face of global trade barriers proved beneficial. "Globally, access to cold-water prawn is limited, and with a 25% tariff on Canadian shrimp entering China, demand for Norwegian products has been strong," explained Voraa. China has been a growth market for 13 months in a row and was the largest growth market in August with 865 tonnes, a 134% increase. The export price for cooked shell-on prawns to China was $5.15 per kg, 21% higher than the previous year, reflecting the strong demand.

This mixed performance underscores Norway's ability to capitalize on geopolitical and regulatory shifts, maintaining its position as a key player in the global shellfish market.

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