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China Drives Growth as Norwegian Salmon Exports See Decline

Asia Surpasses EU as Key Market for Salmon and Trout, Driven by Strong Demand in China and Thailand

Exports of Norwegian salmon faced a slight decline in November, even as demand from Asian markets, particularly China and Thailand, showed significant growth. The total value of salmon exports fell, while trout exports experienced a modest increase in value, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.

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Salmon Market Update

Norway exported 126,191 tonnes of salmon in November, valued at approximately $1.13$ billion (NOK 11.4 billion). This represented a 4 percent drop in value—a decrease of about $46.8$ million (NOK 472 million)—compared to November of the previous year. Export volume also saw a decrease of 3 percent.

The largest markets for Norwegian salmon in November were Poland, France, and the USA.

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Asia Leads Value Growth

Despite the overall decline, China registered the highest value growth, with its export value increasing by about $16.4$ million (NOK 165 million), or 35 percent, compared to the same month last year. The volume of exports to China surged by 47 percent, totaling 6,598 tonnes.

"China continues the growth trend that the market has seen throughout the year, but is not the only one that is growing. The UK and Thailand are close behind," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Thailand Overtakes Established Asian Markets

Thailand has emerged as a key player, becoming the second largest market for Norwegian salmon and trout combined in Asia by volume, surpassing established markets like Japan and South Korea.

“Thailand's appetite for Norwegian salmon does not appear to be stagnating. Thanks to good preference and competitive prices, Norway has increased its market share to over 73 percent. So far this year, the category for Atlantic salmon and trout has increased by 8 percent," notes Åshild Nakken, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Southeast Asia.

EU Market Share Shrinks

The EU's share of Norwegian salmon exports fell to 61 percent in November, down from 66 percent in the same month last year, with an export value of approximately $684$ million (NOK 6.9 billion).

This shift aligns with a 2025 trend. Paul T. Aandahl explains that the Asian share of exports increased from 18 percent last year to 21 percent this year due to increased demand and greater availability of fish sizes favored in Asia.

Trout Market Analysis

The trout market presented a mixed picture, showing a rise in value but a drop in volume:

• Norway exported 6,320 tonnes of trout in November.

• Total value increased by 2 percent, or approximately $1$ million (NOK 10 million), reaching approximately $58.9$ million (NOK 594 million).

• Volume, however, fell by 3 percent.

The largest markets for trout in November were Poland, the USA, and Thailand. Poland saw the greatest value surge, with its export value increasing by 206 percent, or approximately $6.1$ million (NOK 61 million). The export volume to Poland increased by 170 percent, reaching 1,038 tonnes.

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