Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council

Record-Breaking Year for Norwegian Cold-Water Prawns

NORWAY
Friday, January 09, 2026, 09:00 (GMT + 9)

Shift Toward High-Value Consumer Products Drives Revenue to New Heights Despite Lower Catch Volumes

Norway has solidified its position as a global leader in the shellfish industry, exporting 31,842 tonnes of cold-water prawns (Pandalus borealis) in 2025. Despite a 7 per cent dip in volume compared to the previous year, the total export value reached a staggering $171.4 million (NOK 1.8 billion). This represents a 12 per cent increase, or an additional $18.9 million (NOK 199 million) in revenue over 2024.

Value Driven by Ready-to-Consume Products

While the supply declined following high catches in 2024, the industry successfully pivoted toward more profitable segments. According to Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council, the record-high value is the result of rising prices and a strategic move toward finished products.

• Frozen Cooked Shell-on Prawns: The primary driver of value growth in 2025.

• Frozen Peeled Prawns: The largest overall export category, valued at $79.9 million (NOK 839 million).

• Frozen Raw Prawns: While export volume for this category fell by 33 per cent, prices surged by 45 per cent.

“Overall, this points to a more profitable product mix, with less industrial flow and a greater proportion of finished products for the markets," Voraa explained.

China Emerges as a Key Growth Engine

In terms of destination markets, China, Iceland, and Denmark were the largest buyers by volume. However, China stood out as the fastest-growing market, bolstered by tariffs on Canadian prawns and an surging demand for raw consumption.

• Export Volume to China: 8,392 tonnes (a massive 244 per cent increase).

• European Markets: The UK remains the driving force for processed and peeled products, while Sweden and Finland remained stable.

• Industrial Shifts: Flows to Canada and Iceland fell significantly, and transit through Denmark cooled off from its 2024 peak.

Year-End Performance in December

The year closed with a quieter December. Norway exported 992 tonnes of prawns during the final month, worth $7.05 million (NOK 74 million). This reflected a 37 per cent drop in volume and a 24 per cent decrease in value (down $2.19 million/NOK 23 million) compared to December 2024.

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