Billion-dollar growth to the US and China resulted in a solid first quarter for Norwegian seafood exports

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 44 billion in the first quarter. This is an increase of NOK 3.5 billion, or 9 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

"The first quarter has been characterised by increased export volumes for salmon, high prices for cod, mackerel and snow crab and strong value growth to the USA and China. In addition, the Norwegian krone was weaker in the first quarter than in the same period last year, which has also helped to increase the value of exports measured in Norwegian kroner," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

- The whole of Norway can be proud

"The world's huge appetite for Norwegian seafood is clearly reflected in the export figures for the first three months of the year. The whole of Norway can be proud of the great values created by small and large seafood communities across the country," says Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

Best first quarter ever in terms of value

Never has Norway exported such a high value of seafood in a first quarter as this year.

Salmon was the largest species, with an export value of NOK 29.5 billion. This was an increase of 6 per cent compared with the first quarter of last year.

"The start of 2025 has been very positive for Norwegian salmon. Increased harvest volumes and more available superior fish have boosted exports to some of our largest and most important markets," says Chramer.

Largest value growth to the US

In the first quarter, Norway exported seafood to the US totalling NOK 4.9 billion. This was an increase of NOK 1.8 billion, or 56 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

The US was the largest growth market in terms of value and accounted for 11 per cent of total seafood exports in the first quarter.

The total export volume to the US ended at 35,591 tonnes, which is 34 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2024.

“Despite a great deal of uncertainty related to the introduction of tariff barriers, growth in seafood exports to the US has been very strong in the first three months of the year. In addition to salmon, this is driven by snow crab and king crab. For the first time ever, the value of shellfish exports to the US is higher than to the EU market in a first quarter," says Christian Chramer.

- An uncertain time for world trade

“The USA has grown strongly as a market in the first quarter and is now by far the largest single market for Norwegian seafood in terms of value, ahead of both Poland and Denmark. Despite favourable export figures, we are now entering an uncertain time for world trade with increased tariffs. The government is working actively in favour of Norwegian interests and is in close contact with the industry. Although the industry is adaptable, the situation may be challenging for parts of the Norwegian seafood industry and lead to certain changes in the flow of goods for global seafood trade," says Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

Accustomed to changing framework conditions

The US was the largest single market for Norwegian seafood exports in all three months of the first quarter.

"This is a turbulent period in terms of trade policy, but the industry in Norway and the USA is reporting 'business as usual'. The seafood industry is global in nature and used to adapting to constantly changing framework conditions," says Anne-Kristine Øen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the USA.

Positive development in China

Norway exported NOK 2.7 billion worth of seafood to China in the first quarter. This represents growth of 37 per cent compared with the same period last year.

“The first quarter saw value growth for salmon, cod, redfish, mackerel and saithe. This is a very positive development in a market that is becoming increasingly important for Norwegian seafood exports," says Chramer.

Record-high prices for cod have compensated for the quota cut

The 25 per cent quota reduction for cod has affected the entire value chain on the wild-catch side in the first quarter.

"Less available fish in the market has led to increased competition for raw materials. The fact that there was nevertheless a slight increase in the export value of cod is because the price was at a record high and so compensated for the fall in volume," says Chramer Chramer

Facts about seafood exports in the first quarter

The largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in the first quarter were the USA, Poland and Denmark.

72 per cent of the total export value in the first quarter came from aquaculture, while 28 per cent was from wild capture.

The value of exports in the first quarter of this year corresponds to almost all seafood exports in 2009. Back then, the value totalled NOK 44.6 billion after 12 months of the year.

Seafood was exported to a total of 138 countries in the first quarter. This is two more than in the first quarter last year.

Here are the largest markets in the first quarter in terms of value (change from the same period in 2024 in brackets)

1. USA: NOK 4.9 billion (+56%)

2. Poland: NOK 3.9 billion (+2%)

3. Denmark: NOK 2.8 billion (-28%)

4. China: NOK 2.7 billion (+37%)

5. France: NOK 2.5 billion (-2%)

6. United Kingdom: NOK 2.5 billion (+19%)

7. The Netherlands: NOK 2.5 billion (+1%)

8. Spain: NOK 2.4 billion (+12%)

9. Italy: NOK 2 billion (+10%)

10. South Korea: NOK 1.4 billion (+9%)

Here are the largest growth markets in the first quarter in terms of value (change from the same period in 2024 in brackets)

1. USA: NOK +1.77 billion (+56%)

2. China: NOK +734 million (+37%)

3. United Kingdom: NOK +409 million (+19%)

4. Spain: NOK +246 million (+12%)

5. Italy: NOK +181 million (+10%)

6. Germany: NOK +171 million (+15%)

7. Thailand: NOK +168 million (+23%)

8. Egypt: NOK +151 million (+94%)

9. Lithuania: NOK +125 million (+14%)

10. Japan: NOK +123 million (+12%)

Here are the largest species in the first quarter in terms of value (change from the same period in 2024 in brackets)

1. Salmon: NOK 29.5 billion (+6%)

2. Cod: NOK 3.5 billion (+1 per cent)

3. Trout: NOK 1.8 billion (+33%)

4. Mackerel: NOK 1.7 billion (+54%)

5. Herring: NOK 1.3 billion (+12%)

6. Saithe: NOK 1.3 billion (+29%)

7. Snow crab: NOK 901 million (+82%)

8. Haddock: NOK 443 million (-7%)

9. Prawn: NOK 404 million (+42%)

10. King crab: NOK 398 million (+85%)

Seafood exports in March

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 14.8 billion in March
This is an increase of NOK 934 million, or 7 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Large volume growth for salmon

Norway exported 285,163 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 29.5 billion in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 1.7 billion, or 6 per cent, compared to the first quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 16 per cent
The US, Poland and France were the largest markets for salmon in the first quarter

“Favourable biological conditions, including seasonally high sea temperatures, have resulted in strong growth in salmon production compared with the first quarter of last year. However, the growth in volume has led to a fall in export prices of 11 per cent in Norwegian kroner, to NOK 95.39 per kg," says Seafood Analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Lots of superior fish available

The US had the highest value growth in the first quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 1.1 billion, or 47 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year.

Export volume to the US ended at 22,183 tonnes, which is 56 per cent higher than the first quarter last year

"The favourable trend we have seen in exports to the USA in the first quarter is primarily due to the fact that we have had a lot of large superior fish available. Prices have been low, and more fresh than frozen fish has been exported to the USA during this period," says Anne-Kristine Øen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the USA.

Exports of salmon in March

Norway exported 102,900 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 10 billion in March
The value increased by NOK 704 million, or 8 per cent, compared with March last year
This is a growth in volume of 27 per cent

Strong quarter for trout

Norway exported 19,164 tonnes of trout worth NOK 1.8 billion in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 444 million, or 33 per cent, compared to the first quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 39 per cent.
Ukraine, USA and Thailand were the largest markets for trout in the first quarter

Poland had the highest value growth in the first quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 84 million, or 142 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year.

Lower priced than salmon

“Trout has been priced lower than salmon in the first quarter, which makes it more attractive as a raw material in the processing industry in Poland. Trout is processed into both smoked and natural products, both for domestic consumption in Poland and for export," says Paul T. Aandahl, Seafood Analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The export volume to Poland ended at 1,770 tonnes, which is 139 per cent higher than the first quarter last year.

Trout exports in March

Norway exported 6,100 tonnes of trout worth NOK 551 million in March
The value increased by NOK 79 million, or 17 per cent, compared with March last year
This is a growth in volume of 31 per cent

Decline in exports of fresh cod

Norway exported 13,993 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 1.1 billion in the first quarter
The value fell by NOK 33 million, or 3 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year
Volume fell by 24 per cent
Denmark, the Netherlands and Latvia were the largest markets for fresh cod in the first quarter

The quota reduction has left its mark on both landings and export volumes of fresh wild cod in the first quarter. Landings fell by 21 per cent compared with the same period last year.

“With a land-based industry in Norway fighting an increasingly tough battle for raw materials to produce fillets, salted fish, clipfish and stockfish, an increasing proportion of landings of fresh cod are going to the industry in Norway. As a result, the export volume of wild cod fell significantly in the first quarter," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Highest ever share of farmed cod in a first quarter

For fresh farmed cod, the export volume increased by 45 per cent to 4,710 tonnes, while the export value increased by 72 per cent to NOK 312 million.
Farmed cod accounted for 28 per cent of the export value of fresh cod in the first quarter.

“This is the highest export volume of farmed cod ever in a single quarter, 22 per cent higher than the previous record quarter, which was in the fourth quarter of 2009," says Brækkan.

Exports of fresh cod in March

Norway exported 6,000 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 461 million in March
The value increased by NOK 1 million. This is the same value as in March last year
Volume fell by 19 per cent

Difficult quarter for skrei

Norway exported 2,243 tonnes of skrei worth NOK 210 million in the first quarter
The value fell by NOK 68 million, or 24 per cent, compared with the first quarter of last year
Volume fell by 45 per cent
Denmark, Spain and Sweden were the largest markets for skrei in the first quarter

A fall in volume of as much as 45 per cent means that the export volume of skrei is the lowest ever recorded in a first quarter.

Record high prices

“In addition to the reduction in quotas, bad weather has contributed to low availability of skrei in some weeks. The low export volume has also contributed to raising the price to new heights," explains Eivind Hestvik Brækkan, Seafood Analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The record export price of NOK 94 per kg is a full NOK 25 higher than the previous record price, which was set two years ago.

“For this reason, some skrei lovers both in Norway and in our most important skrei markets have been forced to reduce their consumption this year," says Brækkan

Exports of skrei in March

Norway exported 899 tonnes of skrei worth NOK 78 million in March
The value fell by NOK 24 million, or 24 per cent, compared with March last year
Volume fell by 44 per cent

Lowest export volume for frozen cod in 16 years

Norway exported 11,870 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 996 million in the first quarter
The value is unchanged compared to the first quarter last year
Volume fell by 35 per cent
The UK, China and Vietnam were the largest markets for frozen cod in the first quarter

This is the lowest export volume of frozen cod in a first quarter since 2009.

Vietnam and China are the countries with the greatest decline in export volumes, while the UK is strengthening its position as our largest market for frozen cod.

Good growth to the UK

The UK had the highest value growth in the first quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 95 million, or 33 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year.

The export volume to the UK ended at 4,131 tonnes, which is 5 per cent lower than the first quarter last year.

"Despite low volumes and high price growth for cod, the UK is maintaining and strengthening its position for Norwegian whitefish and frozen cod in particular, but also for Norwegian seafood in general," says Victoria Braathen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the UK.

Exports of frozen cod in March

Norway exported 3,300 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 294 million in March
The value fell by NOK 23 million, or 7 per cent, compared with March last year.
Volume fell by 38 per cent

Good quarter for clipfish

Norway exported 20,309 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 1.5 billion in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 284 million, or 24 per cent, compared to the first quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 4 per cent
Portugal, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were the largest markets for clipfish in the first quarter

For saithe clipfish, the export volume increased by 2 per cent to 13,191 tonnes, while the export value increased by 35 per cent to NOK 716 million.

This is the highest export value for saithe clipfish ever in a single quarter, 5 per cent higher than the previous record quarter, which was the first quarter of 2023.

Cod hits a historically low share of overall exports

For cod clipfish, the export volume fell by 15 per cent to 4,120 tonnes, while the export value increased by 5 per cent to NOK 598 million

“As is often the case when cod quotas are reduced, the decline in export volumes of conventional products such as clipfish is smaller than for fresh and frozen cod. However, the fall in volume means that only 20 per cent of the export volume of clipfish in the first quarter was cod clipfish. This is the lowest proportion of cod ever in a single quarter," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Solid demand in Portugal

However, solid demand in Portugal, our largest market for cod clipfish, is helping to boost export value.

“While higher prices have led to a drop in consumption among the Portuguese, we are seeing a change in purchasing patterns in favour of smaller sizes, which are both more affordable and available in larger volumes. The strong development of tourism in Portugal is also continuing this year, which is boosting demand in the restaurant sector," explains Brækkan

Largest value growth to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, which is our largest market for saithe clipfish, was the market with the highest value growth in the first quarter

The export value increased by NOK 96 million, or 60 per cent, compared with the first quarter of last year.

The export volume to the Dominican Republic ended at 4,865 tonnes, which is 12 per cent higher than the first quarter last year.

Exports of clipfish in March

Norway exported 5,400 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 418 million in March
The value increased by NOK 92 million, or 28 per cent, compared with March last year
This is a growth in volume of 7 per cent

Value growth for salted fish

Norway exported 5,237 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 542 million in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 11 million, or 2 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year
Volume fell by 21 per cent
Portugal, Greece and Italy were the largest markets for salted fish in the first quarter

Low landings at the beginning of the year have contributed to a significant decline in the export volume of salted fish, especially in the first two months of the year.

Lowest volume ever

In March, however, volumes picked up and were only 5 per cent lower than in the same month last year.

“Nevertheless, we ended up with the lowest export volume of salted fish ever in a first quarter, both for all salted fish as a whole and for salted cod, which accounts for around two-thirds of the volume of salted fish. Despite this, export value increased by 2 per cent compared with last year," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Challenging raw material situation in Portugal

Demand in our largest salted fish market, Portugal, has been strong in recent years due to a reduction in cod quotas.

“Dried pot-ready clipfish products are becoming increasingly popular in Portugal, and salted fish is used extensively in the production of such products by the clipfish industry in Portugal. As in Norway, the industry in Portugal also faces significant challenges in obtaining sufficient raw materials. This has contributed to increasingly higher export prices for salted cod in recent years, a trend that has continued into 2025," says Brækkan.

Exports of salted fish in March

Norway exported 3,000 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 356 million in March
The value increased by NOK 52 million, or 17 per cent, compared with March last year
Volume fell by 5 per cent

Value growth for stockfish

Norway exported 990 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 315 million in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 40 million, or 15 per cent, compared to the first quarter last year
Volume fell by 3 per cent
Italy, Croatia and Nigeria were the largest markets for stockfish in the first quarter.

Italy had the highest value growth in the first quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 42 million, or 20 per cent, compared with the first quarter of last year.

Difficult access to raw materials and high prices

"Exports of stockfish in the first quarter are from last year's production. Price growth and higher volumes to Italy indicate that there are more Italian importers and producers who want to ensure that they have access to stockfish in the future," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Difficult access to raw materials and high raw material prices are creating great uncertainty about how much stockfish will be produced this year.

"Although we are seeing a positive trend in the stockfish market in Italy, with more and more finished stockfish products in the shops, rising stockfish prices are also a challenge for Italians," emphasises Brækkan.

Exports of stockfish in March

Norway exported 317 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 98 million in March
The value increased by NOK 38 million, or 64 per cent, compared with March last year
This is a growth in volume of 43 per cent

Low volumes and high prices for herring

Norway exported 67,320 tonnes of herring worth NOK 1.3 billion in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 141 million, or 12 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year
Volume fell by 8 per cent
Poland, Egypt and Germany were the largest markets for herring in the first quarter

Herring exports in the first quarter were characterised by low volumes and high prices.

"We have to go back to 2015 to find a lower export volume, but at the same time the value is the fourth highest ever," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, Head of Pelagic Species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Herring is stored in Norway before export

Around 119,000 tonnes of herring were landed in the first quarter, compared with 108,000 tonnes in the same period last year. At the same time, exports have declined during this period.

“This is because frozen herring can be stored before it is shipped out. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for Norwegian exporters to store herring in Norway on behalf of customers and ship it out according to an agreed programme. This means that there is a lower correlation between catch and export than previously," explains Johnsen.

The fishing season for Norwegian spring-spawning herring (NVG) stretches over the end of the year, creating an artificial divide.

Fall in the price of fishmeal and fish oil

"If we look at the season as a whole, less of the dominant NVG herring has been landed compared to the 2023/2024 season. This also affects exports," emphasises Jan Eirik Johnsen

Falling prices for fishmeal and fish oil have resulted in lower prices for residual raw materials from fillet production, making it more favourable to export whole frozen herring.

“Egypt dominates here, taking more than half of all whole frozen herring from Norway," says Johnsen

Growth for marinated herring products

After the customs agreement with the EU came into place on 1 January, exports of marinated herring products gained momentum.

“In addition to the fact that prices, both in Norwegian kroner and euros, have risen significantly since the turn of the year, volumes have also increased. In the first quarter, more than 5,000 tonnes of marinated herring products were exported at a value of NOK 142 million, compared with 1,700 tonnes at NOK 41 million in the same period last year," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Exports of herring in March

Norway exported 19,900 tonnes of herring worth NOK 382 million in March
The value fell by NOK 45 million, or 10 per cent, compared with March last year
Volume fell by 36 per cent

Record quarter for mackerel

Norway exported 54,934 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 1.7 billion in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 593 million, or 54 per cent, compared to the first quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 17 per cent
South Korea, Vietnam and China were the largest markets for mackerel in the first quarter

Mackerel exports were surprisingly strong in the first quarter, given that the quota is likely to be reduced by 22 per cent this year.

“However, from a market perspective, this is not surprising, as supply remains tight and demand solid," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, Head of Pelagic Species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Fished in January and February

A lot of mackerel has been caught, which is mainly due to two factors:

In 2024, fishermen took around 15,000 tonnes over the quota by using the flexibility scheme for 2025.

Norwegian boats fished for mackerel in January and February for the first time in many years.

The mackerel season runs from August to February, and in the 2024/2025 season around 330,000 tonnes will be landed in Norway, up from 310,000 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season, which is reflected in increased exports.

With a tight supply side, the price level is still at a record high. For mackerel under 600 grams, which is the most important product, prices rose by 35 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2024, from NOK 22.05 to NOK 29.71 per kg.

Reduced direct exports to Japan

“On the market side, it is worth noting that direct exports to our most important market, Japan, were at a historically low level in the first quarter. Much of the mackerel that ends up in Japan is processed in Vietnam and China, and here we see an increase in the first quarter compared to last year," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

The high mackerel prices have led to an increased focus on costs.

“Processing in Japan has been partially reduced, in favour of increased processing in lower-cost countries such as Vietnam and China. In addition, there is increased demand for boneless mackerel fillets, which are currently produced in Japan, but mainly in Vietnam," says Johan Kvalheim, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Japan and South Korea.

Exports of mackerel in March

Norway exported 12,500 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 388 million in March
The value increased by NOK 150 million, or 63 per cent, compared to March last year
This is a growth in volume of 27 per cent

Formidable value growth for king crab

Norway exported 548 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 398 million in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 183 million, or 85 per cent, compared to the first quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 44 per cent
The US, Singapore and Canada were the largest markets for king crab in the first quarter

Exports of frozen king crab and snow crab to the USA have seen tremendous growth in the first quarter of this year.

“As a result, after the first three months of the year, shellfish exports to the USA have already surpassed last year, which was also a record year. The growth has come both in terms of volume and value for both these species," says Anne-Kristine Øen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the USA.

The quota increase has had a solid effect

The quota increase for king crab has resulted in 573 tonnes being landed in the first quarter, which is 352 tonnes more than in the first quarter of last year

"Increased export volumes and record-high prices for frozen king crab in the USA have led a greater proportion of king crab being processed and exported as frozen," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

In 2023, 23 per cent of the export volume was frozen, in 2024 the share was 43 per cent, while in 2025 it increased to 62 per cent.

The USA had the highest value growth in the first quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 190 million, or 151 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year

Growth for frozen king crab

The export volume to the USA ended at 410 tonnes, which is 95 per cent higher than in the first quarter of last year. In 2023, the US market accounted for 31 per cent of the export value, while in 2025 the share has increased to 79 per cent.

“Frozen king crab is enjoying good growth and prices are at a record high. The loss of Russian king crab due to sanctions has meant that only small volumes of king crab from Norway and Alaska are now available in the market. There is reason to believe that American buyers have built up some stock before the closed season for king crab in the quota area in Norway, which runs from March to April," says Anne-Kristine Øen.

King crab exports in March

Norway exported 161 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 91 million in March
The value increased by NOK 67 million, or 287 per cent, compared to March last year
This is a growth in volume of 363 per cent

Strong value growth for snow crab

Norway exported 3,760 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 901 million in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 405 million, or 82 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year
Volume fell by 17 per cent
The US, Japan and Denmark were the largest markets for snow crab in the first quarter

In recent years, the quota has been fished up earlier and earlier, and last year it was taken by the end of the first quarter. This year, landings and exports are 17 per cent lower than at the same time last year. This means that around 33 per cent, or 4,000 tonnes, of the quota remained at the beginning of April.

Strong demand in the US

"Even though there is a decline in export volume, the export value of snow crab is at a record high for a single quarter. 2025 is set to be a very strong export year for snow crab," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Strong demand in the US has meant that snow crabs can hardly get to shore fast enough before they reach the markets.

“There are several reasons why snow crab exports have seen such good growth. There was little frozen snow crab in stock in the USA at the start of the year, which has led to increased demand for Norwegian snow crab of all sizes. More large snow crabs were also caught during the period. Both increased demand and good size are helping to increase prices," says Anne-Kristine Øen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the USA.

The average price has doubled

The average price for the first three months of the year is more than double what it was last year, with an export price of NOK 240 per kg. This is NOK 129 more per kg than in the first quarter of last year.

"That's a testament to the strong demand that has been out there. Even though the USA is by far the largest market, larger volumes have also gone to Japan, with an average price of over NOK 300 per kg." explains Voraa.

The USA saw the greatest growth in value, with an increase in export value of NOK 392 million, or 222 per cent, compared with the first quarter of last year.

Export volume to the US ended at 2,407 tonnes, which is 62 per cent higher than the first quarter last year.

Snow crab exports in March

Norway exported 1,700 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 392 million in March
The value increased by NOK 192 million, or 96 per cent, compared with March last year
Volume fell by 6 per cent

Solid quarter for prawn

Norway exported 6,355 tonnes of prawn worth NOK 404 million in the first quarter
The value increased by NOK 119 million, or 42 per cent, compared with the first quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 47 per cent
The UK, Sweden and Denmark were the largest markets for prawns in the first quarter

The prawn year 2025 will start as strongly as last year ended, with increased export volumes and values.

The greatest growth in value has been in exports of peeled prawns, which increased by NOK 76 million to NOK 232 million. The export volume ended at 2,566 tonnes in the first quarter.

Largest value growth to the UK

The UK had the highest value growth in the first quarter, with an increase in export value of NOK 39 million, or 85 per cent, compared with the first quarter of last year.

The export volume to the UK ended at 953 tonnes, which is 78 per cent higher than the first quarter last year.

"The UK is a traditional and important market for Norwegian prawns. In 2024, the UK once again became our largest market for peeled prawns, and it is gratifying to see that the positive development continues through the first quarter," says Victoria Braathen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the UK.

Frozen, cooked shell-on prawn and frozen raw prawn have also seen strong growth in the first quarter to markets such as Denmark, China and Morocco.

Prawn exports in March

Norway exported 1,800 tonnes of prawn worth NOK 132 million in March
The value increased by NOK 44 million, or 50 per cent, compared with March last year
This is a growth in volume of 65 per cent