Norway’s seafood exports surged to NOK 14.3 billion in April, marking a 2% increase over the same month last year and setting a new April record despite global trade disruptions and falling salmon prices.
“Despite the turmoil in world trade, the favourable trend for Norwegian seafood exports continued,” said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council. “Norway has never before exported seafood for a higher value in the month of April. The growth is due to increased export volumes and rising demand for Norwegian salmon in key markets like the USA and China.”
So far in 2025, Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 58.5 billion — a 7.3% rise over the same period in 2024.
Salmon Exports Shift to Overseas Markets
Salmon accounted for NOK 10 billion, or 71% of April’s export value. Higher sea temperatures and fewer biological challenges meant more top-quality salmon was available, which largely offset price drops.
“We are now seeing a shift in the flow of salmon from Europe to overseas markets such as Asia and the USA,” Chramer explained. “This volume growth largely compensated for the falling salmon prices.”
US and China Drive Demand
The United States led value growth for the fourth consecutive month, importing NOK 1.4 billion in Norwegian seafood in April — a 23% increase year-on-year. Despite concerns over newly introduced tariffs, the US remains Norway’s largest salmon market by value, accounting for NOK 4.4 billion so far this year.
China also showed strong growth, with exports reaching NOK 913.8 million in April, up 14% from last year. Exports to China hit a record 8,224 tonnes in April, up 188%, making it the highest monthly volume ever. “Norwegian salmon is gaining market share in a rapidly growing Chinese market,” said Sigmund Bjørgo, Norwegian Seafood Council envoy to China.
Trout, Cod, and Other Species
Trout exports rose 16% in value to NOK 555 million, with Ukraine, the US, and Thailand among the largest buyers. Fresh cod exports, however, saw a 14% drop in volume despite a 7% rise in value, while skrei exports faced a 15% value drop and a 35% volume decline due to reduced quotas and poor weather.
Frozen cod exports fell sharply, dropping 49% in volume and 37% in value, with Portugal emerging as the largest growth market. Clipfish and salted fish saw value increases of 23% and 16% respectively, largely driven by strong Portuguese demand.
Shellfish See Strong Gains
King crab exports surged 110% in value to NOK 41 million, with the US accounting for over half of April’s shipments. Snow crab exports set a record April value of NOK 218 million despite an 18% volume drop, while prawn exports rose 64% in value thanks to strong landings and increased shipments to China and Morocco.
Global Challenges and Outlook
“April was characterised by noise and uncertainty related to increased tariffs to the USA,” said Chramer, adding that the upcoming Barcelona seafood trade fair will focus heavily on the market outlook.
With Norwegian seafood finding strong demand globally despite lower prices and quota cuts, the industry remains cautiously optimistic. “There’s a lot of salmon of the right size and superior quality available in the market, so prices are falling slightly,” said Anne-Kristine Øen, the Seafood Council’s envoy to the US.
