Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council/FIS

Norwegian Shellfish Exports Shine: King Crab Soars, Snow Crab Rebounds, and China Dominates Coldwater Shrimp Market

September Sees Significant Value Increases Across Key Shellfish Species, Driven by Strong Demand and Market Shifts

Norway's shellfish export sector experienced robust growth in September and the third quarter (Q3), with impressive gains for king crab, a strong rebound for snow crab, and China solidifying its position as the primary market for Norwegian shrimp.

King Crab Exports See Remarkable Growth

In September, Norway exported 246 tons of king crab (red king crab), generating NOK 169 million. This marks a substantial 59 percent increase in value, or NOK 63 million, compared to September of last year, alongside a 27 percent growth in volume.

Josefine Voraa, responsible for shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council, stated, "The growth is driven by both higher volumes and increased export prices."

• Strong Frozen Red King Crab Performance: September was particularly strong for frozen red king crab exports, with 202 tonnes shipped, valued at NOK 145 million. This represents an 81 percent increase in volume compared to the same month last year. The average export price reached NOK 719 per kilo, a 26 percent increase.

• US Market Dominance: The United States remains the most important market for frozen king crab. In September, 121 tons went to the US, worth NOK 107 million, an increase in value of NOK 57 million compared to September of last year.

  • Voraa explained, "The season in Alaska is expected to start in October, but the quotas have not yet been announced. This means that Norway is currently the only provider of red king crab, as Russian king crab is still banned from the market."

• Top Markets (September): The largest markets for king crab in September were the United States, Mexico, and Tunisia.

Q3 King Crab Performance:

Over the third quarter, Norway exported 620 tons of king crab valued at NOK 400 million. This was a 39 percent increase in value, or NOK 113 million, compared to Q3 of last year, with a 7 percent growth in volume. The US, Canada, and Vietnam were the largest markets for king crab in Q3.

Snow Crab Exports Rebound Significantly

September saw a substantial increase in snow crab exports, with 44 tons shipped, valued at NOK 7 million. This represents an astounding 727 percent increase in value, or NOK 7 million, and a 477 percent growth in volume compared to September of last year.

• Fishing Ban Impact: From July 1 to November 30, there is a stop to snow crab fishing in Norway, meaning no new catches will occur until December. The exported volume likely comes from existing stock.

• Hong Kong SAR Leads Value Growth: Hong Kong SAR stood out with the largest value growth in the month, with exports reaching NOK 3 million from virtually nothing the previous year, with a volume of 18 tons.

• Top Markets (September): The US, Hong Kong SAR, and France were the largest markets for snow crab in September.

Q3 Snow Crab Performance:

In the third quarter, Norway exported 943 tons of snow crab worth NOK 172 million. The value increased by NOK 163 million compared to Q3 of last year. The US, Japan, and the Netherlands were the largest markets for snow crab in Q3.

China Dominates Norwegian Coldwater Prawn Market

Norway exported 3,400 tons of coldwater prawn (Pandalus borealis) worth NOK 220 million in September. The value increased by 30 percent, or NOK 51 million, compared to September of last year, despite a 15 percent drop in volume.

• China's Ascendance: China has become Norway's largest market for coldwater prawn. In September, 1,665 tonnes of coldwater prawn were exported to China, valued at NOK 95 million. This marks a 705 percent growth in volume and a 1,050 percent increase in value compared to the same month last year.

  • Josefine Voraa confirmed, "China has strengthened its position as the largest market for Norwegian coldwater prawn. In September, the country accounted for a full 49 percent of all Norwegian coldwater prawn exports, measured in value."

• Year-to-Date China Performance: So far this year, Norway has exported 7,482 tonnes of coldwater prawn to China, worth NOK 399 million, representing increases of 484 percent in volume and 560 percent in value.

• Demand-Driven Growth: Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China, stated, "The strong growth is driven by a high demand for frozen cooked shell coldwater prawn and frozen raw coldwater prawn for the sashimi segment. In addition, distribution channels have improved. Sales are now increasing both in traditional grocery stores and in corresponding online sales channels. The availability of products is the biggest limitation to further growth."

• Shift in Raw Prawn Exports: Exports of frozen raw coldwater prawn have fallen by 56 percent in volume overall. This decline is mainly due to lower deliveries to the pellet industry in Iceland and Canada, while China alone contributed to raising the value.

  • Voraa explained, "The price differences are indeed large. While industrial coldwater prawn to Iceland had an average price of NOK 23/kg in September, the price for frozen raw coldwater prawn to China was NOK 61/kg."

• Top Markets (September): China, the UK, and Sweden were the largest markets for coldwater prawn in September.

Q3 Coldwater Prawn Performance:

In the third quarter, Norway exported 9,926 tons of coldwater prawn worth NOK 557 million. The value increased by 19 percent, or NOK 87 million, compared to Q3 of last year, while volume fell by 13 percent. China, Iceland, and Sweden were the largest markets for coldwater prawn in Q3.

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