Never has Norway exported seafood with such a high value as in 2024. A total of 2.8 million tonnes of Norwegian seafood worth NOK 175.4 billion was exported last year. This corresponds to 38 million meals every single day - all year round.

"2024 was characterized by quota cuts for cod, significant production challenges for salmon, geopolitical fluctuations and economic turmoil in the global market. When the value of seafood exports nevertheless rises to a historically high level, it is incredibly strong," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

"Once again, Norwegian seafood exports have set new records, and I am impressed by everyone who has contributed. The Norwegian seafood trade is a fantastic example of how sustainability can be combined with economic value creation," says Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

Adventurous growth

The export value of NOK 175.4 billion is the highest ever. This is an increase of NOK 3.7 billion, or 2 per cent, compared with the record year of 2023.

“Norwegian seafood exports have experienced marvellous growth. In the period from 2020 to 2024 alone, the value increased by around NOK 70 billion. This shows what a strong global position our seafood has. Last year, we exported more than 60 different species to over 150 countries around the world," says Christian Chramer.

“The new year will bring new challenges, but also new opportunities, and I believe the seafood industry will continue to develop and create jobs and value across the country," says Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

A more nuanced picture in 2024

While in 2023 there was price growth for the very largest species, last year there was a more nuanced picture.

“Factors such as price and volume affected the species differently. Food inflation fell last year, and both salmon and trout experienced price declines. At the same time, quota reductions contributed to price growth for important wild-caught species," says Christian Chramer.

Currency effect

There were major fluctuations in value during the year, and the trend was particularly strong in the fourth quarter.

“This is because salmon, trout, prawn, herring and mackerel received a boost in the final months of the year. The currency effect, which has been an important contributor to growth in recent years, declined last year, but was still the main reason for the growth in value in Norwegian kroner. Measured in euros, which is our most important export currency, the value is unchanged compared to 2023," explains Christian Chramer.

Strong development to Asia for salmon

Norway exported salmon to a value of NOK 122.9 billion in 2024. This is a new value record and accounted for 70 per cent of total Norwegian seafood exports.

“The exciting and strong development for salmon continued in Asia, where it is considered an everyday luxury by consumers in countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam and Korea. In addition, salmon has strongly established itself in the fast-food trends of sushi, sashimi and poke around the world and in the everyday food segment in Europe," explains Chramer.

A challenging year for many salmon producers

At the same time, he emphasises that 2024 was demanding for many Norwegian salmon producers:

  • Higher sea temperatures this summer posed biological challenges
  • Increased costs
  • Earlier culling led to lower average weight of the fish

“There was volume growth last year, but at the same time salmon prices fell. The strong growth in value that we have seen in recent years came to a halt in 2024," says the CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Poland, Denmark and USA largest

The largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in 2024 were Poland, Denmark and the USA. China had the highest growth in value, with an increase in export value of NOK 887 million, or 10 per cent, compared with the previous year.

For wild-caught species, 2024 was a challenging year for cod and king crab due to quota reductions. On the other hand, the export value of mackerel increased by 24 per cent and the value of prawn by 30 per cent.

Lower volumes and higher prices

“We are in a period of reduced access to the all-important cod, but lower volumes last year were to some extent compensated for by higher prices. This has happened thanks to a strong position for clipfish in particular. Together with the industry, we will continue to promote saithe as a good supplement to cod in countries such as Sweden, France and Germany," says Christian Chramer.

“With responsible management and high-quality seafood, we can be proud to export our products all over the world. Although we should be pleased with a formidable export result, these are demanding times for many," says Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

How seafood exports ended in December

  • Export value in December totalled NOK 15.1 billion
  • This is an increase of NOK 1.5 billion, or 11 per cent, from the same month last year

Here are the largest markets by value

  1. Poland: NOK 18.1 billion (-3%)
  2. Denmark: NOK 13.8 billion (-5%)
  3. USA: NOK 13.3 billion (-3%)
  4. Netherlands: NOK 11.2 billion (+5%)
  5. France: NOK 10.6 billion (-10%)
  6. China: NOK 9.4 billion (+10%)
  7. United Kingdom: NOK 9.1 billion (+7%)
  8. Spain: NOK 8.8 billion (+0%)
  9. Italy: NOK 7.4 billion (-1%)
  10. Germany: NOK 5.7 billion (+6%)

Here are the biggest growth markets

  1. China: + NOK 886 million (+10%)
  2. South Korea: + NOK 634 million (+14%)
  3. United Kingdom: + NOK 584 million (+7%)
  4. Netherlands: + NOK 520 million (+5%)
  5. Vietnam: + NOK 452 million (+20%)
  6. Canada: + NOK 450 million (+33%)
  7. Thailand: + NOK 359 million (+13%)
  8. Israel: + NOK 342 million (+18%)
  9. Germany: + NOK 333 million (+6%)
  10. Lithuania: + NOK 297 million (+6%)

Here are the largest species

  1. Salmon: NOK 122.9 billion (+1 per cent)
  2. Cod: NOK 11.7 billion (-4 per cent)
  3. Mackerel: NOK 8.3 billion (+24%)
  4. Trout: NOK 6.8 billion (+23%)
  5. Herring: NOK 4.2 billion (+5 per cent)
  6. Saithe: NOK 3.7 billion (-6%)
  7. Haddock: NOK 1.7 billion (-3%)
  8. Prawn: NOK 1.6 billion (+30%)
  9. Greenland halibut: NOK 867 million (-9%)
  10. Redfish: NOK 854 million (+9%)
  11. King crab: NOK 832 million (-31%)

Quarterly development in 2024

  • First quarter: NOK 40.5 billion (-2.1%)
  • Second quarter: NOK 40.1 billion (-1.8%)
  • Third quarter: NOK 44.0 billion (+4.9%)
  • Fourth quarter: NOK 50.8 billion (+6.7%)

The development of aquaculture

The value from aquaculture accounts for 74 per cent of total seafood exports in terms of value, while in terms of volume it accounts for 48 per cent.

  • In 2024, Norway exported 1.3 million tonnes of seafood from aquaculture
  • The value was NOK 130.6 billion
  • This is a growth in volume of 3.4 per cent
  • The value increased by NOK 2.1 billion, or 2 per cent, compared to 2023

Developments for fisheries

The value of fisheries accounts for 26 per cent of total seafood exports in terms of value, while in terms of volume it accounts for 52 per cent.

  • In 2024, Norway exported 1.5 million tonnes of seafood from fisheries
  • The value was NOK 44.9 billion
  • Volume fell by 3.8 per cent
  • The value increased by NOK 1.6 billion, or 4 per cent, compared to 2023

Record high value for salmon

  • Norway exported 1,255,654 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 122.9 billion in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 617 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the previous year
  • This is a growth in volume of 2 per cent
  • Poland, USA and France were the largest markets for salmon last year

This is a record high export value for salmon, NOK 617 million higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

Biggest growth in Germany

Germany had the highest value growth last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 539 million, or 12 per cent, compared with the previous year.

Exports to Germany totalled 47,724 tonnes, which is 11 per cent higher than the previous year

"The growth is due to a number of factors. Increased domestic consumption and lower supplies from other nations are important reasons," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Popular fish in South Korea

The growth in exports of fresh salmon to South Korea continued in 2024

“At the largest supermarkets, Norwegian salmon is the most popular fish, with Norwegian mackerel a close second. Higher prices combined with a lot of activity in stores have boosted sales both in terms of value and volume," says Johan Kvalheim, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Japan and South Korea.

At NOK 149 per kg, the price of fresh salmon fillets is at a record high. This is NOK 2 per kg higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

Exports of salmon in December

  • Norway exported 112,000 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 11.5 billion in December
  • The value increased by NOK 1.3 billion, or 13 per cent, compared to December last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 7 per cent

Record high volume for trout

  • Norway exported 75,135 tonnes of trout worth NOK 6.8 billion in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 1.3 billion, or 23 per cent, compared with the previous year.
  • This is a growth in volume of 32 per cent
  • Ukraine, USA and Thailand were the largest markets for trout last year

This is a record export value for trout, NOK 1.3 billion higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

“The world record is driven by a record high volume. The reason is that several fish farmers have focused more on trout than on salmon. This is a trend we've seen over the past three years," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Largest growth to Ukraine

The previous record volume for trout was in 2008, with 73,727 tonnes.

Ukraine had the highest value growth last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 523 million, or 89 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to Ukraine ended at 14,315 tonnes, which is 80 per cent higher than the year before.

The price of fresh trout fillets is at a record high of NOK 150 per kg. This is NOK 3 per kg higher than the previous record year, which was in 2023.

Exports of trout in December

  • Norway exported 7,100 tonnes of trout worth NOK 641 million in December
  • The value increased by NOK 177 million, or 38 per cent, compared to December last year
  • This is a volume growth of 41 per cent

A challenging year for fresh cod

  • Norway exported 40,370 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 2.6 billion in 2024
  • The value fell by NOK 292 million, or 10 per cent, compared with the previous year.
  • Volume fell by 18 per cent
  • Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain were the largest markets for fresh cod last year

For fresh wild cod, the export volume fell by 29 per cent to 28,399 tonnes, while the export value fell by 23 per cent to NOK 1.8 billion.

For fresh farmed cod, the export volume increased by 37 per cent to 11,971 tonnes, while the export value increased by 55 per cent to NOK 722 million. Farmed cod accounted for 28 per cent of the export value of fresh cod in 2024

Lowest export volume since 2011

“A decline in quotas and landings of fresh cod, together with a Norwegian land-based industry that will continue to use its raw material to produce salted fish, clipfish and stockfish, are the reasons for the sharp drop in volume for fresh wild cod in 2024. We have to go all the way back to 2011 to find a lower export volume of fresh wild cod," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Moderate economic development in our key fresh markets in Europe contributed to the fall in volume resulting in relatively weak price growth for fresh wild cod.

Continued growth for farmed cod

Farmed cod continues to increase in volume and in the fourth quarter accounted for more than half of exports of fresh cod. Most of the volume goes to the transit and processing market, the Netherlands, before being re-exported to other markets.

"Despite reduced quotas, the quality brand of skrei enjoyed solid growth in both volume and value to Spain last year. Spaniards greatly appreciate seasonal seafood products, and skrei is a big star among supermarkets and Spanish consumers," says Tore Holvik, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Spain.

Good interest from Spanish supermarkets

Spain is also one of Norway's most important markets for farmed cod, with stable direct exports measured in volume last year.

"We're experiencing good interest from the supermarkets. Farmed cod helps to ensure a steady supply of fresh cod throughout the year, so that Spaniards can also enjoy Norwegian cod outside the cod season," says Holvik.

Exports of fresh cod in December

  • Norway exported 2,000 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 137 million in December
  • The value increased by NOK 26 million, or 23 per cent, compared with December last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 8 per cent

Large volume drop for frozen cod

  • Norway exported 48,166 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 3.1 billion in 2024
  • The value fell by NOK 390 million, or 11 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

Naturally, lower cod quotas have contributed to a significant decline in volume for frozen cod.

China saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 228 million, or 36 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to China ended at 14,715 tonnes, which is 2 per cent higher than the previous year.

UK was largest market

"China's strong development must be seen in light of the US import ban on Russian cod. The Chinese processing industry has thus bought more cod from Norway to be able to continue offering cod to its American customers," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The UK remained the largest market for frozen cod in 2024, although there was a decline in both export volume and export value to the UK. As much as 29 per cent of frozen cod went to the UK in 2024, measured in value.

Taking a higher share

"The relatively good development in the UK illustrates how strong our traditional cod markets are. When volumes fall, these markets take a higher share of Norwegian cod," says Brækkan.

The UK continues to be an extremely important market for Norwegian seafood, especially cod and haddock.

“It has been 15 years since such a large proportion of Norwegian frozen cod was exported to this market. Cod and haddock are among the most popular seafood products with UK consumers, particularly through the iconic fish & chips sector. Overall, 2024 shows the strength of the seafood trade between our two countries," says Victoria Braathen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the UK.

Exports of frozen cod in December

  • Norway exported 2,700 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 218 million in December
  • The value fell by NOK 73 million, or 25 per cent, compared with December last year
  • Volume fell by 52 per cent

Fall in value and volume for clipfish

  • Norway exported 81,268 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 5.9 billion in 2024
  • The value fell by NOK 160 million, or 3 per cent, compared with the previous year.
  • Volume fell by 4 per cent
  • Portugal, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were the largest markets for clipfish last year

For saithe clipfish, the export volume fell by 3 per cent to 47,780 tonnes, while the export value fell by 9 per cent to NOK 2.1 billion.

For cod clipfish, the export volume fell by 4 per cent to 25,536 tonnes, while the export value increased by 3 per cent to NOK 3.3 billion.

Portugal saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 158 million, or 7 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to Portugal ended at 19,506 tonnes, which is 1 per cent lower than the previous year.

Largest share ever for Portugal

“While Portugal completely dominates as our largest market for cod clipfish, it has also been our largest market for all Norwegian cod combined for over 30 years. In 2024, as much as 35 per cent of Norwegian cod exports in terms of value went to Portugal. This is the highest share ever," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

“This development illustrates that the Portuguese will have their bacalao regardless and that our traditional cod markets are strong even when cod quotas fall," says Trond Rismo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Portugal.

Exports of clipfish in December

  • Norway exported 5,700 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 466 million in December
  • The value fell by NOK 56 million, or 11 per cent, compared to December last year
  • Volume fell by 23 per cent

Stable export value for salted fish

  • Norway exported 24,243 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 2.2 billion in 2024
  • The value fell by NOK 32 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the previous year.
  • Volume fell by 12 per cent
  • Portugal, Italy and Greece were the largest markets for salted fish last year

High price growth helped to keep the export value stable in a year characterised by lower quotas and less access to raw materials for salted fish production in Norway.

As usual, Portugal dominates as the largest destination market. As much as 76 per cent of salted fish exports in terms of value went to Portugal last year. This is the highest proportion ever.

Shift towards prepared products

“The salted fish is used by the Portuguese industry to produce clipfish, prepared products and pre-diluted bacalao, both for domestic consumption and export. "In Portugal, too, we are seeing a steady shift in demand towards more prepared products, which is helping to boost demand for salted fish in this market," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Exports of salted fish in December

  • Norway exported 595 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 41 million in December
  • The value fell by NOK 6 million, or 12 per cent, compared to December last year
  • Volume fell by 21 per cent

Value growth for stockfish

  • Norway exported 3,531 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 897 million in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 11 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the previous year
  • Volume fell by 4 per cent
  • Italy, Croatia and the US were the largest markets for stockfish last year

Cod stockfish, which accounts for more than 90 per cent of stockfish exports, had an export value of NOK 818 million.

This is 5 per cent higher than last year and the highest export value ever. The export volume was 2,700 tonnes, unchanged from 2023. The export volume in the last two years is the lowest ever recorded.

Largest increase to Croatia

Croatia had the highest value growth last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 42 million, or 68 per cent, compared with the previous year. The export volume to Croatia ended at 317 tonnes, which is 57 per cent higher than the previous year.

Our largest stockfish market, Italy, saw a decline in export volume of 5 per cent, to a total of 1,800 tonnes.

"This is the lowest export volume of stockfish to Italy ever recorded. The export value fell 2 per cent to a total of NOK 589 million," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Tougher battle for raw materials

Lower cod quotas and higher raw material prices have contributed to a tougher battle for raw materials for the Norwegian stockfish industry.

"Higher production costs are forcing a higher stockfish price, which may take time for the market to adjust. Relatively weak economic development in Italy may also have helped to dampen demand for stockfish, which is an expensive and exclusive product," says Brækkan.

Exports of stockfish in December

  • Norway exported 183 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 45 million in December
  • The value increased by NOK 4 million, or 11 per cent, compared to December last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 13 per cent

Good year for herring

  • Norway exported 227,916 tonnes of herring worth NOK 4.2 billion in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 205 million, or 5 per cent, compared with the previous year
  • Volume fell by 5 per cent
  • Poland, Egypt and Lithuania were the largest markets for herring last year

Only NOK 5.9 million was needed for a new export licence for herring. The record dates back to 2011, when more than twice as much herring was exported, 474,000 tonnes.

Fall in supply

2024 was characterised by a continued rise in the price of herring products, with new price records being set for 14 of 17 herring products. For the two largest products by far, frozen fillets without skin and whole frozen herring, the price increase was 17 per cent.

"The main reason for the strong price growth is that the supply of herring has fallen by more than 30 per cent from 2021, while demand has remained stable in key markets," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Herring fillet took over the throne

In 2023, for the first time, significantly more herring fillets were exported than frozen whole herring.

This development was driven by good demand in the fillet markets, but not least by increased prices for the residual raw material from fillet production that goes into fishmeal and oil. The trend continued last year, but while exports of whole frozen products only fell by 1,000 tonnes, from 72,000 to 71,000, exports of frozen fillets fell from 123,000 to 108,000 tonnes," says Johnsen.

"Reduced prices for fishmeal and fish oil, somewhat larger sizes of herring and favourable prices for whole frozen herring are the reasons for this," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Exports of herring in December

  • Norway exported 24,500 tonnes of herring worth NOK 465 million in December
  • The value increased by NOK 87 million, or 23 per cent, compared to December last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 18 per cent

Solid export record for mackerel

  • Norway exported 313,242 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 8.3 billion in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 1.6 billion, or 24 per cent, compared with the previous year.
  • This is a growth in volume of 2 per cent
  • Japan, China and South Korea were the largest markets for mackerel last year

There was a solid new export record for mackerel, driven by an average price increase of 22 per cent for last year.

"As many as seven price records were set in 2024 for frozen mackerel under 600 grams, which is by far the most important product that is exported," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Decrease in supply

A general decline in the supply of mackerel both from the Atlantic, but also in many of the most important markets (such as Japan and South Korea), has pushed prices upwards.

"Compared to 2021, export prices from Norway have increased by an average of 75 per cent. For 2024, the currency has not contributed either, which is because the Japanese yen has developed more favourably than the Norwegian krone," says Jan Eirik Johnsen

Solid comeback for exports to China

China had a weak year in 2023 but made a solid comeback last year.

“The explanation for the weak exports in 2023 was that Vietnam was given a zero tariff on processed mackerel products to Japan, while China continued with 10 per cent. China is primarily a processing market for Norwegian mackerel, and most of the processing was previously contracted out to Japanese companies that were responsible for imports," says Johnsen.

Chinese companies focus on the domestic market

In 2024, there was a significant change where the Chinese companies themselves began to import and process Norwegian mackerel and then sell it on to the Japanese market.

“At the same time, the Chinese domestic market for mackerel continued to grow. Several Chinese factories are now focussing on the domestic market instead of re-export. This is a development that will be interesting to follow," says Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China.

Exports of mackerel in December

  • Norway exported 18,600 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 549 million in December
  • The value increased by NOK 165 million, or 43 per cent, compared to December last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 8 per cent

New export record for capelin

  • Norway exported 65,348 tonnes of capelin worth NOK 786 million in 2024.
  • The value increased by NOK 168 million, or 42 per cent, compared to 2023.
  • The volume increased by 10 per cent from 2023.

A new export record was set for capelin. The previous record was NOK 659 million and dates from 2021.

“This is despite the fact that there was no capelin fishing in Iceland for the Norwegian fleet. However, the quota of 117,500 tonnes in the Barents Sea was taken," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Solder roe in demand

A total of 4,700 tonnes of capelin roe were exported with a value of NOK 227 million. This is also a new record. The previous record was 2,600 tonnes with a value of NOK 141 million from 2023.

"For capelin roe, which is a popular product for sushi toppings, Kazakhstan, Thailand and South Korea were the largest markets in 2024," says Johnsen.

Weak year for king crab

  • Norway exported 1,503 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 832 million in 2024
  • The value fell by NOK 367 million, or 31 per cent, compared with the previous year.
  • Volume fell by 39 per cent
  • USA, Canada and Hong Kong SAR were the largest markets for king crab last year

In 2024, reduced quotas and landings led to lower export volumes and values for king crab. Exports of frozen king crab ended at 547 tonnes, with a value of NOK 320 million. This is a decrease of 28 per cent in volume and 29 per cent in value.

“Increased exports of smaller king crabs led to export prices falling by 2 per cent compared with 2023," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Twist in exports

Exports of live king crab fell by 43 per cent in volume to 956 tonnes. Record-high export prices averaging NOK 536 per kg limited the fall in value somewhat.

“Until 2022, Asia was the most important region for live king crab from Norway, but after the sanctions against Russian crab in the US and Europe, Russia has focused its exports on Asia at lower prices. This has led to a shift in Norwegian live king crab exports from Asia to North America," explains Voraa.

USA was the largest market

The USA was the largest market for both live and frozen king crab from Norway, with an export value of NOK 414 million in 2024.

“This is eight times more than the export value to Hong Kong, which was the second largest market for king crab in 2024. Despite strong demand in the US market, lower landings of king crab have led to a 21 per cent drop in export volume and an 11 per cent drop in value," says Josefine Voraa.

King crab exports in December

  • Norway exported 109 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 74 million in December
  • The value fell by NOK 30 million, or 29 per cent, compared with December last year
  • Volume fell by 49 per cent

Strong growth for snow crab

  • Norway exported 6,399 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 723 million in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 213 million, or 42 per cent, compared with the previous year
  • This is a growth in volume of 27 per cent
  • The US, Denmark and the Netherlands were the largest markets for snow crab last year

In 2024, there was strong growth in snow crab exports compared with 2023.

“The growth was largely driven by good fishing, with increased quotas and landings, which resulted in increased export volumes. An improved market situation compared to last year contributed to export prices increasing each month and ending at an average of NOK 112 per kg, which is 11 per cent above the average price in 2023," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Short fishing season for live snow crab

Only 10 tonnes of live snow crab were exported in 2024.

"A short fishing season in recent years has made it difficult to build a market for live snow crab. The sitting price of NOK 311 per kg for the little that was exported shows the potential for increased export values if a larger proportion is also exported live," explains Voraa.

The USA saw the greatest growth in value last year, with an increase in export value of NOK 98 million, or 50 per cent, compared with the previous year.

Exports to the USA totalled 2,395 tonnes, which is 33 per cent higher than the previous year.

Snow crab exports in December

  • Norway exported snow crab to a value of NOK 13,000 in December
  • The value fell by NOK 5 million, or 100 per cent, compared to December last year

Record high export value for prawn

  • Norway exported 34,421 tonnes of prawn worth NOK 1.6 billion in 2024
  • The value increased by NOK 383 million, or 30 per cent, compared with the previous year
  • This is a growth in volume of 68 per cent
  • Sweden, the UK and Denmark were the largest markets for prawns last year

A good prawn fishery in the Barents Sea and declining cod quotas in recent years led to an increased supply of prawn. 2024 was no exception and resulted in a record high export value for prawns, NOK 125 million higher than the previous record year in 2000.

“The increase in value is driven by an increase in volume, and we have to go back to the early 2000s to find similar volumes," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Peeled prawn are still the largest value product

Peeled prawn remain the largest value product with a share of 49 per cent and an export value of over NOK 800 million. The largest markets for peeled prawn are the UK, Sweden and Finland.

The greatest growth in value was for frozen, raw industrial prawn that have gone to the peeling industry in Iceland and Canada.

"Iceland's own catches have been declining, and it has been dependent on imports of raw materials for many years. The increased export of industrial prawn to Canada of more than 6,000 tonnes is due to a sharp decline in quotas and catches in 2024," says Voraa.

Canada largest growth market

Canada became the largest growth market for prawn in 2024, with a total increase in value of NOK 137 million.

"Another trend in 2024 is increased production of frozen, cooked shell prawn, which led to an increase in value of NOK 159 million and accounted for 24 per cent of the export value, an increase of 5 percentage points," explains Josefine Voraa.

Norwegian prawn take market share in China

China, the world's largest prawn market, was the largest growth market for frozen shell-on prawns last year, with growth of 478 per cent in volume and 361 per cent in value.

“Increased production of frozen, cooked shell prawn has led the industry to orientate itself towards new markets. This is impressive, as the Chinese prawn market declined in 2024. Norwegian prawn have thus gained market share, and we expect further growth in 2025," says Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China.

Prawn exports in December

  • Norway exported 1,600 tonnes of prawn worth NOK 97 million in December
  • The value fell by NOK 6 million, or 5 per cent, compared to December last year
  • Volume fell by 26 per cent