China Continues to Be Norway’s Largest Seafood Export Market in Asia in 2024
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January 15, 2025
China maintained its position as Norway’s largest seafood export market in Asia and the sixth-largest globally in 2024, with exports reaching 182,000 tons, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council. This marks a 14% year-on-year increase in volume and a 10% rise in export value, which totaled 9.4 billion Norwegian Krone ($823 million). These figures make China the fastest-growing market for Norwegian seafood worldwide last year.
Surging Growth Across Markets
The growth in seafood exports to China outpaced other major importers. While exports to South Korea and the United Kingdom grew by 634 million NOK and 584 million NOK, respectively, China’s market posted a remarkable gain of 886 million NOK.
A diverse range of seafood products contributed to this growth:
•Salmon: Exports to China climbed 10% in volume to 45,716 tons, with a value increase to 5.11 billion NOK.
•Mackerel: Shipments surged 39% in volume to 45,105 tons, with a 72% rise in value to 1.2 billion NOK.
•Arctic Cod: Exports grew 2% in volume to 14,779 tons and 36% in value to 864 million NOK.
•Crustaceans: Totaling 2,823 tons, exports were valued at 165 million NOK, with prawns making up 68% of the category’s export value (2,439 tons).
High-Quality Growth and Future Prospects
“China has always been one of our most important export markets for seafood,” said Sigmund Bjørgo, China Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council. “In 2024, Norwegian seafood once again achieved remarkable success in the Chinese market. The high-quality growth of China’s economy and its vibrant consumer market give us great confidence in the continuous growth prospects of Norwegian seafood in China. We will strive to introduce more high-quality and authentic Norwegian seafood to China, benefiting a broader range of consumers.”
Record-Breaking Year for Norwegian Seafood Exports
Norway set new export records in 2024, shipping a total of 2.8 million tons of seafood valued at 175.4 billion NOK. This represents a 3.7 billion NOK increase compared to 2023. Over the past five years (2020–2024), the value of Norwegian seafood exports has risen by approximately 70 billion NOK.
“This shows what a strong global position our seafood has,” said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.