Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council

Norwegian Seafood Exports Hit Record High in First Half of 2025

NORWAY
Friday, July 04, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Despite global turbulence and trade barriers, Norway's seafood exports soared to NOK 85.2 billion, marking the best first half-year ever. Strong growth in key markets like the USA and China, alongside robust demand for salmon and a boom in snow crab and mackerel, underscore the industry's resilience.

OSLO – Norway's seafood industry has set a new export record, achieving an unprecedented NOK 85.2 billion in the first half of 2025. This historic figure represents a 6% increase (NOK 4.6 billion) compared to the same period last year, with a total volume of 1.3 million tonnes of seafood shipped globally – equivalent to an astonishing 36 million meals every single day.

Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, emphasized the sector's strength. "The first half of the year demonstrates that Norwegian seafood exports are robust, even when facing demanding market conditions and increasing trade barriers," Chramer stated. "The growth in export value to key markets such as the USA, China, and the UK confirms the high level of confidence in Norwegian seafood products. This highlights the value chain's resilience, effective market access, and the seafood companies' long-term efforts in prioritized markets."

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, echoed this sentiment, adding, "In a half-year marked by turbulence and uncertainty, it is especially gratifying to see that exports of Norwegian seafood not only remain robust but are actually growing. This underscores the industry's ability to supply sustainable, high-quality seafood that people all over the world demand. I will continue the important work of ensuring favorable framework conditions for the export of Norwegian seafood."

Salmon Leads the Charge, Mackerel and Snow Crab See Explosive Growth

Norway's primary export, salmon, continues to drive value, showing a 3% increase compared to last year, reaching NOK 57.8 billion. However, other species exhibited even more dramatic growth:

• Trout exports surged by 20% to NOK 3.5 billion.

• Mackerel saw a remarkable 56% increase in value, reaching NOK 2.3 billion.

• Herring exports grew by 16% to NOK 2 billion.

• Snow crab recorded an astounding 100% growth, totaling NOK 1.4 billion, while king crab increased by 70% to NOK 583 million.

• Other significant gains were seen in saithe (+17%), haddock (+17%), and prawns (+28%)

Global Reach and Key Market Performance

In the first half of the year, Norwegian seafood reached a total of 151 countries, 10 more than in the same period last year. The USA emerged as the top market for value growth, experiencing a 38% increase (NOK 2.394 billion) with a 29% rise in volume to 66,299 tonnes.

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The top 10 largest importers by value were:

1. USA: NOK 8.7 billion (+38%)

2. Poland: NOK 7.6 billion (+4%)

3. China: NOK 5.6 billion (+35%)

4. Denmark: NOK 5.4 billion (-26%)

5. United Kingdom: NOK 5.1 billion (+20%)

6. Netherlands: NOK 4.9 billion (-1%)

7. France: NOK 4.8 billion (-4%)

8. Spain: NOK 4.5 billion (0%)

9. Italy: NOK 3.5 billion (-6%)

10. Portugal: NOK 3.1 billion (+10%)

June exports alone contributed NOK 13.2 billion, marking a 9% increase (NOK 1 billion) from June last year.

Aquaculture Drives Value, Fisheries Maintain Strong Growth

Aquaculture continues to be the backbone of Norway's seafood export success, accounting for 73% of the total export value and 50% of the volume. In the first half of the year, aquaculture exports reached 0.7 million tonnes, valued at NOK 61.9 billion – a 4% increase (NOK 2.4 billion) in value and a significant 22.7% growth in volume compared to 2024.

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Meanwhile, traditional fisheries exports contributed 27% of the total value and 50% of the volume. Despite a 9.2% decrease in volume to 0.7 million tonnes, the value from fisheries saw a robust 11% increase (NOK 2.2 billion) to NOK 22.7 billion compared to the first half of 2024, highlighting increased prices for wild-caught species.

The first quarter saw exports totaling NOK 44.2 billion (+9.3%), while the second quarter contributed NOK 40.8 billion (+2.2%), demonstrating sustained, albeit slightly decelerating, growth throughout the first half of the year.

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