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Photo: Stockfile/FIS
Norway’s King Crab Industry Hits All-Time High Driven by Surge in US Demand
NORWAY
Friday, January 09, 2026, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Record-breaking 2025 performance sees export values soar as frozen crab dominates global markets.
Norway celebrated a historic milestone in its seafood industry as king crab exports reached unprecedented levels in 2025. Total exports for the year hit 1,844 tonnes, generating a staggering $112.5 million (NOK 1.2 billion) in revenue.
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This performance marks a 46% increase in value—a jump of $35.3 million (NOK 377 million)—compared to the previous year. The growth was supported by a 24% increase in total volume, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by $562,000 (NOK 6 million).
A Strategic Pivot to Frozen Exports
The record-breaking year was primarily fueled by a massive shift toward frozen products. Key statistics for the frozen segment include:
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Total Value: $77.7 million (NOK 829 million) (up 160%).
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Total Volume: 1,121 tonnes (up 106%).
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Price Growth: The price per kilogram rose 26% in local currency to $69.30 per kg (NOK 739 per kg), representing a 30% increase in USD prices.
Market Dynamics and Sanctions
 Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council, attributed the success to a "tight supply situation following sanctions against Russian crab" and high demand in the United States.
While the frozen market thrived, the live segment faced challenges:
"This is largely because Asia continues to be dominated by live Russian king crab at lower prices," Voraa explained.
The United States: The Premier Market
The USA has solidified its position as the primary destination for Norwegian frozen king crab. In 2025, the US market alone accounted for:
Other top-tier markets included Canada and Vietnam, though the USA remains the dominant force capable of sustaining high price points for large volumes.
December Performance and Snow Crab Outlook
The year concluded with a steady December, where Norway exported 88 tonnes of king crab worth $6.56 million (NOK 70 million). While the volume in December dipped by 11%, the total value still grew by 5% compared to the same month in the previous year.
Photo: courtesy 68°Noord
Additionally, industry experts noted a "solid year" for snow crab, further cementing Norway's status as a global leader in premium shellfish.
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www.seafood.media
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