April 2025 Sees Robust Export Growth as Norway’s Shellfish Industry Thrives Amid Global Market Shifts

Shellfish Surge:: Norway’s King Crab, Snow Crab, and Shrimp Exports Climb Amid Global Demand

NORWAY
Friday, May 09, 2025, 04:50 (GMT + 9)

April Sees Strong Growth in Export Value and Volume Despite Market Uncertainty

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King Crab: Soaring Exports Led by the U.S. Market

Norway exported 97 tonnes of king crab worth USD 3.77 million in April 2025—more than double the value from the same month last year, with a 110% increase (USD 2.02 million growth). Export volume rose 152% year-over-year. The top markets were the United States, Hong Kong SAR, and Canada.

Increased landings from Norway’s non-quota (free) fishing areas contributed to this growth. These crabs tend to be smaller, leading to a lower average export price, according to Josefine Voraa, Shellfish Specialist at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Despite tariffs and market uncertainty, the U.S. emerged as the strongest growth market, importing 54 tonnes valued at USD 2.17 million—an increase of USD 1.73 million from April 2024. The U.S. alone accounted for over half of both export volume and value.

Exports of live king crab to Asia also grew. The smaller size of crabs from the free area made Norwegian king crab more price-competitive compared to Russian blue king crab dominating the region, notes Voraa.

Year-to-date, Norway has exported 642 tonnes of king crab worth USD 40.3 million—a 53% increase in volume and 86% rise in value, with the U.S. taking 72% of the volume and 77% of the value.

Snow Crab: Record Export Value Despite Lower Volume

Norway exported 1,051 tonnes of snow crab worth USD 20.06 million in April, a 46% increase in value (USD 6.35 million), despite an 18% drop in volume.

The U.S., Denmark, and Canada were the top markets. The early part of April brought uncertainty due to increased U.S. exports and Canada’s domestic snow crab season. Still, April recorded the highest monthly snow crab export value on record.

Average export prices reached USD 19.14/kg, up from USD 10.75/kg in April 2024.

The U.S. led value growth, importing 659 tonnes worth USD 5.24 million, a 69% increase (USD 5.24 million). Interestingly, even Canada imported 35 tonnes worth USD 3.04 million, despite having a significant domestic snow crab catch.

Shrimp: Volume and Value Expand on Strong Catches

Norway exported 2,982 tonnes of shrimp worth USD 15.27 million in April—a 64% increase in value (USD 5.98 million) and a 53% rise in volume year-over-year.

The strongest growth came from frozen, cooked shelled shrimp, which more than tripled from 543 tonnes to 1,536 tonnes.

“This is due to a greater share of Barents Sea shrimp being cooked on board, with more volume going to China for consumption and Morocco for processing,” said Josefine Voraa.

Processed shrimp remains the most valuable product segment, accounting for 50% of export value and 30% of volume. In April, processed shrimp volume rose by 300 tonnes, with a value of USD 7.64 million, marking a 55% increase compared to April 2024.

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