First Batch of Norwegian Live Snow Crabs Arrives in China
By People’s Daily | January 24, 2025
The first batch of Norwegian live snow crabs arrived in China on Thursday, marking the first successful shipment since export approval was granted in December 2024, the Global Times learned from the Norwegian Seafood Council, which operates under the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.
The arrival represents another milestone in the expansion of Norwegian seafood exports to China, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Previously, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, met with Chinese customs officials in Beijing, where opening the Chinese market for Norwegian live snow crab exports was a key topic of discussion. Following proactive communication and collaboration, China officially approved the import of Norwegian live snow crabs in December 2024, unlocking significant opportunities for Norway’s snow crab industry.
“We are incredibly proud to see the first shipment of Norwegian live snow crabs reach China successfully. This is not only the first time our product has entered the Chinese market but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the superior quality of Norwegian snow crabs to a broader audience,” said Svein Ruud, the exporter of the first shipment, in an interview with the Global Times. “We are excited about the future potential of this market.”
China has established itself as a major market for shellfish, with strong demand for high-quality seafood, particularly live seafood, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.
The Chinese market has fueled growth in Norwegian shellfish exports. According to the latest data from the Norwegian Seafood Council:
•In 2024, Norway’s shellfish exports to China grew by 182 percent, reaching 2,823 tons.
•The export value surged to 165 million Norwegian Krone ($14.6 million), up 49 percent.
“We are thrilled to see the successful landing of Norwegian live snow crabs in China. This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening our commitment to bringing more quality seafood to China,” said Sigmund Bjørgo, China Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Bjørgo added that China is a market with great potential and could become one of the top three markets for Norwegian shellfish by 2029. “We will continue to work with Chinese partners to introduce more premium Norwegian seafood to Chinese consumers,” he stated.
The successful arrival of Norwegian live snow crabs in China is part of a larger trend in Norway’s expanding seafood trade with China. The China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in November 2024, marked a key moment in this expansion. At the event, Norway debuted a national pavilion focused on enhancing fishery cooperation with China and unlocking new market potential.
Speaking at CIIE, Minister Næss highlighted Norway’s commitment to supplying high-quality and sustainable seafood to China, emphasizing that the seafood industry is one of Norway’s most important export sectors.
The successful delivery of Norwegian live snow crabs marks a new chapter in the seafood trade between Norway and China, further strengthening ties between the two nations and expanding market opportunities for Norwegian seafood.