As we look to key themes for the year ahead, there is one word that is top of mind across news, industry and geopolitics: tariffs. Read the introduction to this years report, starting with some words from NSC CEO Christian Chramer.
Introducing the Top Seafood Consumer Trends 2025: CEO's corner
Chapter 1: Megatrends Shaping Seafood ConsumptionThe Norwegian seafood industry is well-prepared.
CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council
A New Era of Uncertainty
The Norwegian seafood industry is well-prepared, says NSC CEO Christian Chramer, as he talks about how tariffs drive home the need for careful scenario planning and a long-term view.
As we look to key themes for the year ahead, there is one word that is top of mind across news, industry and geopolitics: tariffs.
Despite the anticipation that US President Donald Trump would ramp up duties on foreign trade, the real fallout remains hard to predict. In just a few weeks in office, the Trump administration had placed – and in some cases quickly paused – tariffs on exports from neighbouring countries Canada and Mexico as well as products from the EU to China.
As recently as mid February, calls were being made by some in Congress that ‘aggressive’ taxation was needed on foreign seafood – in particular in order to protect the US shrimp industry.
This particular call is focused on imports from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia and Vietnam but, as Christian Chramer explains, the repercussions of tariffs go far beyond their main targets.
Timing of Tariffs: Following Historic Month for Seafood Export
It also comes at a time when the NSC celebrated a ‘historic’ month for Norwegian seafood exports to the US, which became the largest market for Norwegian seafood exports in January 2025 on a value basis: at nearly 10% of total exports, Norwegian seafood to the US was valued at NOK 1.5 bn ($133.7 mn).
‘The impact of a trade war will be felt around the globe and I truly believe there can be no winners in such a situation,’ says Chramer. For him, the issue is not simply one of tax – but of uncertainty.
‘In unpredictable times, uncertainty will be the first challenge, not only for Norway, but for all states and traded products. Opportunities are likely to be short term before a new normal can be established, and I think the most important thing to do is to work for long-term development and opportunities,’ he adds.
Carving out Competition or Opportunity
There are also knock-on effects from tariffs – whether they are in place, impending or simply threatened – as markets look to shift sales elsewhere, carving out potential new competition or opportunity.
The Nova Scotia seafood sector sent a trade delegation to Europe in February amid stalled US tariffs, while it was also reported that, with ‘buy local’ campaigns in full swing, heavy discounts were being offered on Canadian seafood – an example of the short-term gains Chramer points to.
This current state of play sits perfectly within the narrative of our 2025 Trends Report, where the big focus this year is on the mega trends that drive change over the long term and the scenario planning that can help you be best prepared in an era of uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, Chramer is confident that Norwegian seafood can remain agile and weather the storm.
Dealing with Uncertainty and Finding Solutions
‘The Norwegian seafood industry is used to dealing with uncertainty and to finding solutions to both long- and short-term challenges,’ says Chramer. ‘Keeping updated, mapping options, scenario planning, being flexible and working with partners will be key.’
He also points to several recent examples that the industry can look to as it prepares for the uncertainty ahead: ‘When Russia, our then-largest market, invaded Crimea in 2014 and all trading stopped; when the Islandic volcano Eyafjallajökul erupted and closed airspace in 2010.
‘The challenges now are different, but I believe the Norwegian seafood industry is well positioned and well prepared this time.’