By Undercurrent News | May 14, 2025
Norwegian salmon exports to China jumped 188% in April compared to the same month last year, making China the third-largest market globally for Norwegian salmon, according to Norwegian export statistics.
Norway shipped 8,224 metric tons of salmon to China in April, contributing to a year-to-date total of 25,639 metric tons—representing 110% growth over the same period in 2023.
The surge has pushed Norway’s market share in China to 62% as of March, exceeding the 50% threshold for the first time in over a decade of gradual market expansion.
“Strong preference for Norwegian origin combined with competitive prices due to good biology and growth conditions this winter has boosted market shares,”
—Sigmund Bjørgo, China director for the Norwegian Seafood Council
The growth coincides with a significant drop in spot prices for Norwegian Atlantic salmon. In Q1 2025, average prices for head-on gutted, 3–6 kg fish were NOK 85/kg, down from NOK 113/kg in Q1 2024, according to Undercurrent News’ prices portal.
This price drop is being passed on through the Chinese wholesale trade, where salmon is purchased on spot markets from Norway. In Shanghai, prices for head-on, gutted Norwegian Atlantic salmon, 5–6 kg, have averaged CNY 92.8/kg so far this year—down from a full-year average of CNY 103/kg in 2024 and CNY 125/kg in 2023.
“Norway’s salmon industry has benefited from favorable biological conditions and growth patterns during the recent winter season, helping maintain competitive pricing in the Chinese market,”
—Bjørgo
Lower prices and surging exports are driving significant market expansion. Since Q4 of last year, the Chinese salmon market has grown approximately 30% from an already high base—China is now the world’s seventh-largest salmon market. Total imported volume reached 121,000 metric tons (round weight) in 2024.
Bjørgo cited several factors driving category growth in China:
- Lower prices
- Expansion in traditional retail channels
- New online distribution methods such as live streaming and delivery apps
- Increased distribution to lower-tier cities
“Salmon is mostly consumed in China’s sashimi segment, where it ranks as the most popular variety at competitive price points compared to other markets,”
—Bjørgo
The combination of increased market share and overall category growth has created what Bjørgo called a “double boom” effect for Norwegian salmon in China.
“The statistics underscore China’s growing importance as a destination for Norwegian seafood exports, with the country now ranking among Norway’s top-three salmon markets worldwide,”
—Bjørgo
Source: Undercurrent News