Norway sees surge in salmon exports to China but decline in US market

Norway exported 137,600 tonnes of salmon with a value of NOK 11.6 billion (£864 million) in September, up 2% on September last year, the Norwegian Seafood Council announced today.

Volume fell by 1% in a market driven by growth in China, which saw an increase in export value of NOK 352 million, or 78% compared with a year ago. The export volume to China was 8,147 tonnes, 68% up on September 2024.

Norwegian salmon's share of the Chinese market has increased from 43% last year to 65% this year.

Chilean share

“The Chilean share in particular has declined," said seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Poland, the US and France were the largest markets for Norwegian salmon in September, which was the first full month Norway faced a 15% tariff on seafood exports to the US.

In the first half of the year, 10.6% of Norwegian salmon exports went to the US, measured in value. In the third quarter it was 7.6%.

“The value of salmon exports to the USA fell by 5% compared with the third quarter last year,” said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

“Stronger competition, increased tariffs and a weaker dollar have affected exports of fresh whole salmon to the US, which have fallen sharply in recent months."

Third quarter 

Overall in the third quarter, Norway exported 416,855 tonnes of salmon, worth NOK 32 billion. The value increased by NOK 497 million, or 2%, compared with the third quarter last year. This represented a growth in volume of 13%.

Poland, the US and the Netherlands were the largest markets for salmon in the third quarter.

China had the highest value growth in the quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 1.3 billion, or 54%, compared with the third quarter last year.

Seafood was exported to a total of 134 countries in the third quarter.

Good month for trout

September was a good month for trout, with 8,400 tonnes exported, valued at NOK 681 million, an increase in value of 10% compared with September last year, and a growth in volume of 12%.

Ukraine had the highest value growth in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 40 million, or 64%. The export volume to Ukraine was 1,441 tonnes, 59% higher than September last year.

Norway’s total seafood exports in September were worth NOK 17.9 billion (£1.3 billion), up 8% on the previous month. For the third quarter, seafood exports were worth NOK 45.9 billion, an increase of NOK 1.9 billion, or 4%, on last year’s figures.

“Seafood exports have had a strong month in terms of value and a solid third quarter,” said Chramer.