Photo: Dag Sørli, Norwegian Seafood Council

Press release - 6 January 2026 05:00

Price growth for wild fish and increased salmon volume resulted in record value for Norwegian seafood exports in 2025

Norway exported a total of 2.8 million tonnes of seafood worth NOK 181.5 billion last year. This is a record in value and corresponds to 38 million meals every single day - all year round.

This is an increase of NOK 6.4 billion, or 4 per cent, compared with 2024.

“2025 was a demanding year for seafood, with lower quotas and catches at record prices for all our most important wild-caught species. The year was also characterised by strong volume growth for salmon. Despite a significantly lower salmon price, it was a record year for Norwegian seafood exports in terms of value," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Impressive value record

"The value record is impressive in a year characterised by increased turmoil in world trade. It says a lot about the seafood industry's strong international competitiveness. The government is committed to strengthening market access for the seafood industry and will continue to prioritise this work in the new year," says Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

US tariffs created noise and unrest

The largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in 2025 were Poland, the USA and China.

In 2025, 9 per cent of Norwegian seafood exports went to the US. This has been the highest share since 1989. However, in April and August, the US increased its tariffs on Norwegian seafood, which are now 15 per cent or higher on all products.

“Last year, Norway sold seafood to more than 150 countries, so we are completely dependent on good market access and an efficient flow of goods. The USA's new tariffs created a lot of noise and turmoil for Norwegian seafood exports. From being a market with record growth and an almost insatiable appetite for salmon and crab from Norway in the first half of 2025, US trade throughout the year was characterised by tariffs, a weaker dollar and weaker development," says Chramer.

This was the quarterly development of the US last year

The first quarter started with an increase in export value of 55 per cent compared with the first quarter of the previous year.
In the second quarter, the value of exports to the USA grew by 20 per cent compared with the previous year. After the first half of the year, the country was poised to become our largest seafood market for the very first time.
In the third quarter, growth slowed to 6 per cent compared with the previous year.
In the fourth quarter, the value of exports to the USA fell by 1 per cent compared with the previous year.

Still great potential

“The USA is by far the world's largest market for salmon consumption and has been one of our largest growth markets over time, also in 2025. It is very important for Norwegian seafood, and the potential for further growth remains high," says Christian Chramer.

The European market bought the most Norwegian seafood last year. For the 12th consecutive year, Poland was the largest market, but the total value share that we exported to Europe fell from 67 per cent to 63 per cent.

“Poland is an important processing market, but we see that consumption of Norwegian salmon has increased significantly there in recent years," says Christian Chramer.

Largest value growth in China

China had the highest value growth in 2025, with an increase in export value of NOK 2.9 billion, or 31 per cent, compared with the previous year. The country bought Norwegian seafood for a total of NOK 12.3 billion and went from being our sixth largest market in 2024 to our third largest market in 2025.

"Thanks to increased e-commerce, better distribution channels and strong growth in salmon consumption, China became a growth engine for Norwegian seafood exports in 2025," says Chramer.

"Norway has never exported more seafood to China, measured in value, than last year. Growth was particularly strong for salmon, prawns, redfish and Greenland halibut.

“Last year, the volume of salmon to China was twice as high as the year before. This is due to strong growth in demand, falling prices and the fact that the Chinese no longer just buy large salmon over six kilos, but also smaller sizes," explains Christian Chramer.

Increased by NOK 100 billion since 2015, but stagnating recently

Norwegian seafood exports have seen an adventurous development in recent years. In 2015, the value of exports totalled NOK 74.5 billion, representing growth of over NOK 100 billion in 10 years.

“However, the increase in seafood exports in 2025 is moderate for the second year in a row. After strong growth in export value in the wake of the corona pandemic from 2021 to 2023, we have seen growth in both 2024 and 2025 that barely exceeds the general price growth in Norway," says Christian Chramer.

He illustrates this by pointing to the following factors:

Large quota reductions and high price growth
Weak price development for salmon
New US tariffs

Challenging times for the onshore industry

“Despite setting a new export record in 2025, the backdrop is far more demanding and gloomier than at the same time last year. The strong price growth for cod and mackerel has been challenging for the onshore industry. Those who process fish and create jobs along the coast now have lower volumes of wild fish available and face a very tough economic situation," explains Chramer.

No currency effect

"In recent years, the Norwegian krone has been weak against our most important trading currencies, such as the euro and the dollar. This has made Norwegian seafood cheaper to buy in the markets. In 2025, the Norwegian krone strengthened against the dollar and several important Asian currencies, while the euro remained unchanged compared with the previous year. As a result, we had no currency support in 2025," says Christian Chramer.

Here are the 10 largest markets in terms of value

Poland: NOK 19.1 billion (+6%)
USA: NOK 15.8 billion (+19%)
China: DKK 12.3 billion (+31%)
Denmark: DKK 10.9 billion (-20%)
The Netherlands: NOK 10.8 billion (-3%)
France: NOK 10.5 billion (0%)
United Kingdom: NOK 9.8 billion (+11%)
Spain: NOK 9.1 billion (+3%)
Italy: NOK 7.0 billion (-5%)
Portugal: NOK 6.1 billion (+16%)

Here are the 10 largest growth markets in terms of value

China: + NOK 2.9 billion (+30.9%)
USA: + NOK 2.5 billion (+19.1%)
Poland: + NOK 1 billion (+5.8 per cent)
United Kingdom: + NOK 935 million (+10.5 per cent)
Portugal: + NOK 859 million (+16.3 per cent)
Vietnam: + NOK 537 million (+20.2 per cent)
Thailand: + NOK 498 million (+16.3 per cent)
Spain: + NOK 253 million (+2.9 per cent)
Ireland: + NOK 219 million (+31%)
Sweden: +SEK 213 million (+4.7%)

Here are the 10 largest species in terms of value

Salmon: NOK 124.7 billion (+2%)
Cod: NOK 12.7 billion (+9%)
Mackerel: NOK 8.5 billion (+2%)
Trout: NOK 7.4 billion (+10%)
Saithe: NOK 4.3 billion (+16%)
Herring: NOK 4.2 billion (+0%)
Haddock: NOK 2.3 billion (+36%)
Prawns: NOK 1.8 billion (+12%)
Snow crab: NOK 1.6 billion (+127%)
King crab: NOK 1.2 billion (+46%)

Quarterly development in 2025 measured in value

First quarter: NOK 44.3 billion (+9.3%)
Second quarter: NOK 40.9 billion (+2.1%)
Third quarter: NOK 45.8 billion (+4%)
Fourth quarter: NOK 50.6 billion (+0%)

Development for aquaculture

Aquaculture accounts for 73 per cent of total seafood exports in terms of value, while in terms of volume it accounts for 54 per cent
In 2025, Norway exported 1.5 million tonnes of seafood from aquaculture
The value was NOK 133.4 billion
This is a growth in volume of 13.1 per cent
The value increased by NOK 3.2 billion, or 2 per cent, compared to 2024

Developments for fisheries

Fisheries account for 27 per cent of total seafood exports in terms of value and 46 per cent in terms of volume
In 2025, Norway exported 1.3 million tonnes of seafood from fisheries
The value was NOK 48.1 billion
The volume fell by 12.5 per cent
The value increased by NOK 3.2 billion, or 7 per cent, compared with 2024

Seafood exports in December ended as follows

Export value in December totalled NOK 16.1 billion
This is an increase of NOK 1.1 billion, or 7 per cent, compared with the same month last year

Strong volume growth for salmon

Norway exported 1,414,909 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 124.7 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 2.2 billion, or 2 per cent, compared with the previous year
This is a growth in volume of 13 per cent
Poland, the USA and France were the largest markets for salmon last year

This is a record high export value for salmon, NOK 2.2 billion higher than the previous record year, which was in 2024.

“Favourable production conditions, including high sea temperatures, resulted in strong growth in production in 2025. In addition to the increase in total volume, the average size of the fish also increased. This resulted in a shift in exports towards markets that want large fish," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Largest value growth to China

This applies to markets in Asia and parts of exports to the USA, which bought more fish from Norway in the first half of the year than in the same period in 2024.

"As a result of the volume growth, both in Norway and globally, the export price is lower than in the previous two years," says Aandahl.

China had the highest value growth last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 3 billion, or 59 per cent, compared with the previous year. In total, Norway exported salmon to China for NOK 8.1 billion. The export volume ended at 90,906 tonnes, which is 99 per cent higher than the previous year.

Norway gains market share

“The growth is due to a combination of a sharp increase in Chinese salmon consumption and Norway gaining market share. New sales channels and improved distribution in smaller Chinese cities have also made a positive contribution," says Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China.

Up to and including November last year, China had imported as much as 48 per cent more salmon than the year before, from all salmon-producing countries. During this period, Norway's market share increased from 41 per cent to 57 per cent compared with the previous year.

"This growth is fuelled by high popularity, competitive prices and a large supply of salmon that China demands," says Bjørgo.

Exports of salmon in December

Norway exported 118,800 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 12.1 billion in December
The value increased by NOK 887 million, or 8 per cent, compared with December last year
This is a growth in volume of 7 per cent

Solid year for trout

Norway exported 86,903 tonnes of trout worth NOK 7.4 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 667 million, or 10 per cent, compared with the previous year
This is a growth in volume of 16 per cent
Ukraine, the USA and Thailand were the largest markets for trout last year

Poland saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 414 million, or 153 per cent, compared with the previous year. Export volumes to Poland totalled 8,583 tonnes, which is 152 per cent higher than the previous year.

"Increased exports of processed trout products from Poland and increased consumption of trout are the reasons for the growth in Norwegian exports," says Paul T. Aandahl, Seafood Analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Exports of trout in December

Norway exported 6,700 tonnes of trout worth NOK 667 million in December
The value increased by NOK 30 million, or 5 per cent, compared with December last year
Volume fell by 5 per cent

Volume decrease and value increase for fresh cod

Norway exported 36,704 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 2.8 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 270 million, or 11 per cent, compared with the previous year
Volume fell by 9 per cent
Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain were the largest markets for fresh cod last year

As usual, exports of fresh wild cod fluctuate in line with quotas, and lower landings contributed to last year's export volume of fresh wild cod being the lowest since 2009.

Measured in per cent, however, exports fell far more than landings. While landings of fresh wild cod fell by 13 per cent last year, the export volume fell by as much as 25 per cent to 21,211 tonnes. Higher prices meant that the export value fell by only 5 per cent, to NOK 1.7 billion.

Challenging times for the processing industry

“It is not uncommon for exports of fresh wild cod to fall more than landings when quotas are reduced. This is due to a large Norwegian processing industry that needs fresh raw materials for production. 2025 was characterised by a land-based industry in Norway that fought an increasingly tough battle for raw materials at ever higher prices. This resulted in a larger proportion of the fresh wild cod going to domestic production of salted fish, clipfish and stockfish," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

As a result, exports of fresh wild cod will fall by as much as 25 per cent in 2025.

Record high share of farmed cod

For fresh farmed cod, the export volume increased by 30 per cent to 15,493 tonnes, while the export value increased by 50 per cent to NOK 1.1 billion.

Farmed cod accounted for a record-high share of the export value of fresh cod in 2025. As much as 38 per cent of fresh cod exports were farmed in 2025, up from 28 per cent in 2024.

As usual, the transit market Denmark is our largest market for fresh cod. The Netherlands in second place is mainly a processing market.

Volume decline to Spain

“From Denmark and the Netherlands, the majority is exported onwards, unprocessed or as fresh fillets, to various fresh markets. Our third largest market Spain is the largest consumer market for direct exports from Norway. Export volumes to Spain fell 29 per cent in 2025, to 3,243 tonnes. A sharp decline in fresh wild cod contributed to most of the fall in volume," says Brækkan.

Exports of fresh wild cod to Spain were more than halved, while farmed cod fell 11 per cent to 2,531 tonnes.

Exports of fresh cod in December

Norway exported 2,500 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 194 million in December
The value increased by NOK 58 million, or 43 per cent, compared with December last year
This is an increase in volume of 26 per cent

Value increase for frozen cod

Norway exported 37,462 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 3.2 billion in 2025
Value increased by NOK 158 million, or 5 per cent, compared with the previous year
Volume fell by 22 per cent
The UK, China and Vietnam were the largest markets for frozen cod last year

Vietnam saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 165 million, or 38 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to Vietnam ended at 7,445 tonnes, which is 5 per cent lower than the previous year.

US tariffs against China affected exports

“The main reason for Vietnam's strong performance in 2025 is the US tariffs against China. Periods of very high tariffs on imports from China contributed to Vietnam becoming a more competitive processing market for the Americans. After the US tariffs against China were reduced to 20 per cent on frozen cod fillets from 1 November, Vietnam and China now have the same tariffs into the US. This means that China could come back stronger this year," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

"The UK is once again proving that the traditions of fish & chips remain strong even when cod quotas are falling, and for the third year in a row it is our largest market for frozen cod.

“Even though the British are also looking for cheaper alternatives, and the fish & chips industry has faced major challenges over several years with rising costs, cod is still favoured and holds its own in the British market," explains Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Exports of frozen cod in December

Norway exported 3,000 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 320 million in December
The value increased by NOK 107 million, or 51 per cent, compared with December last year
This is an increase in volume of 13 per cent

Record high export value for clipfish

Norway exported 74,154 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 6.7 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 842 million, or 14 per cent, compared with the previous year
The volume fell by 9 per cent
Portugal, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were the largest markets for clipfish last year

This is a record high export value for clipfish, NOK 696 million higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

For clipfish from saithe, the export volume fell by 13 per cent to 41,432 tonnes, while the export value increased by 19 per cent to NOK 2.5 billion. For clipfish from cod, the export volume fell by 13 per cent to 22,157 tonnes, while the export value increased by 6 per cent to NOK 3.5 billion.

Portugal saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 420 million, or 17 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to Portugal ended at 18,475 tonnes, which is 5 per cent lower than the previous year.

39 per cent of cod exports went to Portugal

“Portugal once again stands out as Norway's largest market for both clipfish and cod in general. As much as 39 per cent of Norway's total cod exports went to Portugal last year, and as much as 81 per cent of cod clipfish exports went to Portugal last year, both record-high shares," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

"Although consumption in Portugal is also falling in line with lower quotas, the decline is moderate in light of the large reduction in cod quotas.

"The Portuguese will still have their clipfish. However, there are challenges ahead, with record-high price levels along the entire value chain, from landing prices in Norway all the way to consumers in Portugal," explains Brækkan.

Demand remains strong

“Consumption trends in the Portuguese retail market show that demand remains surprisingly high, despite significant price increases. As of November 2025, the average out-of-store price has increased by 14 per cent, while the volume has decreased by only 3 per cent compared to 2024," says Gudfinna Traustadottir, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Portugal.

This resilience underlines the product's strong position, but record price increases throughout the value chain are expected to have a greater impact on the consumer market from 2026.

Price increase affects consumption in the Dominican Republic

Saithe clipfish is also characterised by a challenging market trend. Exports to the Dominican Republic, which is our largest market for saithe clipfish, fell by as much as 27 per cent to just 11,514 tonnes.

“This is the lowest volume since 2017. The market is characterised by high price growth, which contributes to lower consumption, as well as increased competition from alternative products such as dried and salted Alaska pollock imported from China," says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Exports of clipfish in December

Norway exported 6,600 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 617 million in December
The value increased by NOK 151 million, or 32 per cent, compared with December last year
This is a growth in volume of 15 per cent

Solid value growth for salted fish

Norway exported 22,125 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 2.5 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 395 million, or 18 per cent, compared with the previous year
Volume fell by 8 per cent
Portugal, Italy and Greece were the largest markets for salted fish last year

This is a record high export value for salted fish, NOK 359 million higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

Salted cod is the wild cod product that has seen the smallest drop in volume in 2025.

“The main reason can be found in our largest cod market, Portugal. The industry in Portugal produces both traditional dried clipfish flakes and frozen diluted clipfish from Norwegian salted fish. Tariffs on imports of Russian cod to the EU make Norwegian salted fish more competitive as an input factor in production," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Increased demand from the Portuguese industry

"At the same time, there has been a trend of increased consumption of frozen diluted clipfish in Portugal for several years, which increases the Portuguese industry's demand for salted fish," says Brækkan.

This contributed to Portugal being the market with the highest value growth for salted fish last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 391 million, or 24 per cent, compared with the previous year.

The export volume to Portugal ended at 15,958 tonnes, which is 1 per cent lower than the previous year. As much as 94 per cent of total Norwegian exports of salted cod ended up in Portugal in 2025. This is the highest share ever.

Exports of salted fish in December

Norway exported 873 tonnes of salted fish with a value of NOK 98 million in December
The value increased by NOK 57 million, or 138 per cent, compared with December last year
This is a growth in volume of 47 per cent

Lowest volume ever for stockfish

Norway exported 2,893 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 899 million in 2025
The value fell by NOK 1 million compared with the previous year
Volume fell by 19 per cent
Italy, Croatia and Nigeria were the largest markets for stockfish last year

Italy, which is by far our largest market for cod stockfish, saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 15 million, or 3 per cent, compared with the previous year.

The export volume to Italy ended at 1,571 tonnes, which is 14 per cent lower than the previous year.

“Exports of stockfish fell last year to the lowest volume ever. This is the fourth year in a row with a new record low for the export volume of stockfish. At the same time, many feared that the decline would be even greater," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Demanding for the industry

If we look only at stockfish from cod, stockfish accounted for 6.5 per cent of total cod exports from Norway in terms of value last year. This is on a par with the average for the past ten years.

"The Italians will continue to have their stockfish, but lower quotas and very high prices mean that the Italians, like all other cod markets, have to make do with lower volumes than in previous years," says Brækkan.

"However, the situation is very demanding for the entire stockfish industry, both in Norway and Italy, with ever lower consumption, less volume to spread the costs over, and record-high prices throughout the value chain. This was reflected in an export price for cod stockfish that exceeded NOK 400 per kg for the first time in the fourth quarter," says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Exports of stockfish in December

Norway exported 184 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 61 million in December
The value increased by NOK 16 million, or 34 per cent, compared with December last year
This is a growth in volume of 1 per cent

World record for exports of herring

Norway exported 208,979 tonnes of herring worth NOK 4.2 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 5 million compared with the previous year
The volume fell by 8 per cent
Poland, Denmark and Germany were the largest markets for herring last year

A new export value record was set for herring in 2025. The old record from 2011 was beaten by a razor-thin margin of NOK 190,000. However, at that time, 117 per cent more herring was exported, so prices changed dramatically in 14 years.

The decline in volume in 2025 compared with 2024 is due to around 40,000 tonnes less being landed. There is an increase in exports of whole frozen herring and marinated products, while frozen fillets are falling.

Positive development for marinated products

“The increase in exports of whole frozen herring is since there was less herring last year compared with 2024. This is also reflected in the price, which is falling after two years of strong growth," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The increase in both volume and value of marinated products, especially vinegar-marinated herring, is responsible for a new value record for herring exports. Exports of marinated products increased by 3,500 tonnes (28 per cent) and the value increased by NOK 167 million (53 per cent).

"The reason for the positive development for marinated products is that the customs agreement with the EU came into effect from 1 January 2025, after the expiry of the previous agreement with duty-free quotas had reduced exports of marinated products," Johnsen explains.

The price increase compensated for the decline in volume

Demand for frozen fillets is reported to be good. The 14 per cent decline in export volume is mainly explained by shifts in the timing of exports. The price of fillets increased by an average of 12 per cent compared with 2024.

“Overall, it was a solid year for herring exports. Good demand was reported for most products, and the price increase compensated for the decline in volume. The fact that the quota for Norwegian spring-spawning herring is increasing significantly for 2026 is also positive for future prospects, which provides opportunities to build markets again after several years of declining quotas," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Exports of herring in December

Norway exported 25,800 tonnes of herring worth NOK 501 million in December
The value increased by NOK 36 million, or 8 per cent, compared with December last year
This is an increase in volume of 5 per cent

Strong price growth for mackerel

Norway exported 207,927 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 8.5 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 176 million, or 2 per cent, compared with the previous year
The volume fell by 34 per cent
South Korea, Vietnam and Japan were the largest markets for mackerel last year

Despite the export volume falling by as much as 34 per cent and the Norwegian krone strengthening against the most important currencies for mackerel exports (Japanese yen, South Korean won and US dollar), a new export value record was set for mackerel in 2025.

“There was a formidable increase in the price of mackerel in 2025, which was due to lower quotas in 2025, but also expectations of significantly lower quotas in 2026. The low quotas lead to an intense battle for the raw material in the Norwegian industry, and this drives prices upwards," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Passed NOK 50 per kg in 2025

“It took 19 years, from 2004 to 2023, for the price of whole frozen mackerel under 600 grams, which is by far the largest product, to pass from NOK 10 per kg until it passed NOK 20 per kg. In 2025, the price passed NOK 30, 40 and 50 per kg," says Johnsen.

"Despite the sharp price increase, the most solvent markets are buying mackerel, which is due to the generally good demand, but perhaps most of all to the fact that many players only deal in mackerel and have to take the chance that they can sell it on in the market," explains Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Mackerel fillets for canned products on the rise

Despite the sharp increase in the price of mackerel to the industry, exports of mackerel fillets increased in 2025. The volume increased by 53 per cent to 12,500 tonnes, while the value increased by 106 per cent to NOK 413 million.

"Most of the increase is reported to be fillets for the production of canned products in Europe," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Japan continues to be Norway's largest mackerel market but faced challenges in 2025. Japan took around 40 per cent of the Norwegian mackerel exported in 2025, down from 42 per cent in 2024. Along with China, Japan was the only major market where both export volume and value fell in 2025.

Tariffs affect direct imports

“The high mackerel prices are putting pressure on the entire value chain, and we're already seeing bankruptcies before the fish are in the shops. Producers in Japan are now clearly falling behind in the competition for raw materials, not only because of the price level, but also because the tariffs make direct imports more expensive," says Johan Kvalheim, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Japan.

Whole mackerel from Norway faces a 7 per cent tariff and fillets 10 per cent, while exports to Vietnam are duty-free, and fillets cut there enter Japan with zero duty.

Excited about consumers' reactions

“As a result, increasing volumes are being channelled via Vietnam in particular, but also China, to keep costs down. We're very excited to see how consumers will react to the prices of seasonal mackerel when it hits the shelves in the future, in a situation where households are already under financial pressure," says Johan Kvalheim.

"The price increase we saw for mackerel in 2025 is unprecedented. The full impact of this price increase and volume reduction have not yet reached the markets but has already created challenges. However, this trend will continue in 2026, as the mackerel quota will be significantly lower compared to 2025," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Exports of mackerel in December

Norway exported 9,600 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 496 million in December
The value fell by NOK 53 million, or 10 per cent, compared with December last year
Volume fell by 49 per cent

Historic year for king crab

Norway exported 1,844 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 1.2 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 377 million, or 46 per cent, compared with the previous year
This is a growth in volume of 24 per cent
The USA, Canada and Vietnam were the largest markets for king crab last year

This is a record export value for king crab, NOK 6 million higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

This development was driven by a clear shift towards frozen, where the value increased by 160 per cent to NOK 829 million and the volume increased by 106 per cent to 1,121 tonnes. The price level for frozen products rose markedly, with growth of 26 per cent in NOK per kg, to NOK 739 per kg, and a 30 per cent rise in USD prices per kg.

Decline for the live segment

"This is in line with good demand in the key market, the USA, and a tight supply situation following sanctions against Russian crab," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

"At the same time, the live segment declined by 27 per cent in value and 24 per cent in volume.

“This is largely because Asia continues to be dominated by live Russian king crab at lower prices," explains Voraa.

USA is the main market for frozen king crab

"Overall, this confirms that premium demand for frozen has characterised the year and pulled the total value up sharply, while the mix and catch structure (size and proportion from free area vs. quota area) have resulted in price variations throughout the season," says Josefine Voraa.

"The USA is clearly the main market for frozen fish, and with the current price situation, the country is almost alone in taking large volumes at these levels.

The USA saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 448 million, or 110 per cent, compared with the previous year.

The export volume to the US ended at 1,212 tonnes, which is 72 per cent higher than the year before.

King crab exports in December

Norway exported 88 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 70 million in December
The value increased by NOK 3 million, or 5 per cent, compared with December last year
Volume fell by 11 per cent

Solid year for snow crab

Norway exported 7,610 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 1.6 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 919 million, or 127 per cent, compared with the previous year
This is a growth in volume of 19 per cent
The USA, Japan and Denmark were the largest markets for snow crab last year

This is a record high export value for snow crab, NOK 838 million higher than the previous record year, which was in 2021.

The quota increases and extended season resulted in higher landings and increased export volumes in 2025. Whereas catches were previously often concentrated in March and April, this year fishing continued right up to the closed season and into December - and significantly larger volumes were exported in May-June and December than normal.

USA had the greatest growth in value

“Nevertheless, around 75 per cent of the volumes were exported in the period February-May at high prices, because stocks in the US were low at the start of the season and uncertainty about tariffs meant that US players secured volumes early. Following the introduction of customs duties in the USA and the start of the Canadian season, prices for Norwegian snow crab fell and Norwegian competitiveness was weakened throughout the year," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The USA saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 691 million, or 234 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to the USA ended at 4,512 tonnes, which is 88 per cent higher than the previous year.

The price of frozen snow crab reached a record high of NOK 216 per kg. This is NOK 31 higher than the previous record year, which was in 2021.

Snow crab exports in December

Norway exported 251 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 34 million in December
The value increased by NOK 34 million compared with December last year

Historic year for prawns

Norway exported 31,842 tonnes of prawns with a value of NOK 1.8 billion in 2025
The value increased by NOK 199 million, or 12 per cent, compared with the previous year
Volume fell by 7 per cent
China, Iceland and Denmark were the largest markets for prawns last year in terms of volume

After high catches in 2024, supply declined in 2025. Despite lower supply and export volume, prawn exports still ended with a record-high export value.

"The reason for the increase in value is higher prices and a shift towards increased exports of ready-to-consume products - especially frozen cooked shell-on prawns and frozen peeled prawns," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Frozen cooked shell prawns were the main driver

In terms of product, frozen boiled prawns were by far the biggest driver of value growth, while frozen peeled products also contributed positively and are the largest export product with a value of NOK 839 million.

Frozen raw prawns, on the other hand, declined in volume (-33 per cent), but prices rose 45 per cent, in line with the shift towards consumption in China.

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

China grew the most

In terms of markets, China stood out as the largest and fastest-growing destination - helped by tariffs on Canadian prawns and strong demand for frozen raw prawns for raw consumption.

The export volume to China ended at 8,392 tonnes, which is 244 per cent higher than the previous year.

“Europe continues to dominate exports of processed/peeled products, with the UK as the clear driving force and Sweden/Finland stable. Industrial flows to Canada and Iceland fell significantly, and transit via Denmark was lower than the peak year of 2024," summarises Josefine Voraa.

Prawn exports in December

Norway exported 992 tonnes of prawns worth NOK 74 million in December
The value fell to NOK 23 million, or 24 per cent, compared with December last year
Volume fell by 37 per cent

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Food