Norway exported seafood worth NOK 14.3 billion in August. This is a decline of NOK 254 million, or 2 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

"The summer of 2025 has been marked by considerable turmoil in the markets. Changes in customs duties on exports to the US are affecting Norwegian seafood exports and posing challenges for the global seafood trade. In addition, increased competition for both raw materials and customers has made it particularly demanding for many players in the seafood industry," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Seafood exports to the US are falling

On 7 August this year, the US increased its customs tariff to 15 per cent on seafood from both Norway and the EU.

In August, the value of total seafood exports from Norway to the US market fell by 3 per cent compared with the same month last year.

During the same period, the value of salmon exports fell by 15 per cent compared to August last year.

"Salmon is the dominant species exported from Norway to the US, but Norwegian producers are now experiencing increased competition in the US salmon market. There are different customs tariffs for different countries, and in August, the Norwegian krone strengthened against the dollar compared to the same month last year. This lifted the prices of Norwegian seafood in the US market," says Christian Chramer.

Last month, the US was not the largest single market for Norwegian seafood, as it was in the first five months of the year.

However, Norwegian salmon producers are highly adaptable, have many markets to export to and are used to seeking new markets when changes are as significant as they are now. That said, there are complex value chains involved. For others, single companies and smaller species, it can be even more challenging, says Chramer.

Low quotas lead to higher prices for cod and mackerel

So far this year, Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 113.1 billion. This is an increase of NOK 5.1 billion – or 5 per cent – compared with the same period last year.

"2025 has been characterised by low quotas for important species such as cod and mackerel. At the same time, saithe fishing is weaker than last year. This has led to very high prices in domestic sales, which in turn affects the industry in Norway and markets abroad. For parts of the wild fish industry facing increased prices, this is a challenge”, explains the Seafood Council's CEO.

Historically high salmon volumes

For the aquaculture industry, this summer has provided very good biological conditions for salmon and trout. This has resulted in historically high volumes, but at lower export prices than is normal during the summer months.

"For our largest product, fresh whole salmon, the export price has not been this low since September 2022," says Chramer.

Norway's 10 largest markets

The largest single markets for Norwegian seafood exports in August were Poland, the United States and China.

China had the highest growth in value in August, with an increase in export value of NOK 350 million, or 47 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Here are the 10 largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in August (change from the same month last year in brackets):

  1. Poland: NOK 1.6 billion (-7%)
  2. United States: NOK 1.1 billion (-3%)
  3. China: NOK 1.1 billion (+ 47%)
  4. Denmark: NOK 1 billion (-16%)
  5. The Netherlands: NOK 917 million (+ 1%)
  6. United Kingdom: NOK 787 million (0%)
  7. France: NOK 728 million (-7%)
  8. Spain: NOK 643 million (-5%)
  9. Germany: 518 million kroner (-8%)
  10. Lithuania: NOK 497 million (+ 6%)

Decline in value for salmon

  • Norway exported 145,446 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 10.6 billion in August
  • The value fell by NOK 95 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • There was a 17 per cent increase in volume
  • Poland, the United States and the Netherlands were the largest markets for salmon in August

China had the largest growth in value in August, with an increase in export value of NOK 349 million, or 84 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Export volume to China ended at 9,343 tonnes, which is 114 per cent higher than the same month last year

Despite the strong growth to China, the country was the fourth largest export market for Norwegian salmon in August in terms of value, with a share of around 7 per cent.

Poland is the largest market, accounting for 14 per cent of exports.

"In turbulent times, it is a strength for Norwegian salmon exports that Norway exports salmon to around 100 countries, and none of the individual markets dominates significantly," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Demanding tariff increase

For our largest product, fresh whole salmon, the United States is a well-paying niche market, but in August there was a 51 per cent decline in value for this category compared to the same month last year.

There has been a lot of attention surrounding Norway's new 15 per cent tariff. One effect is that it distorts competition. Canada, for example, has no tariffs on seafood imports to the US, while Scottish and Faroese salmon are subject to a 10 per cent tariff, says Karine Rød Haraldsson, the Norwegian Seafood Council's representative in the US.

Increased competition

Haraldsson also highlights several factors that contributed to the negative development for exports of fresh whole salmon to the US in August.

"Overall production has increased in salmon-producing countries that have lower tariffs to the US than Norway. Competition has thus increased further as a result. In 2025, there has also been a large increase in demand in Asia, particularly in China. The supply of large fish is limited, and global demand is therefore affecting exports to markets such as the US," says Haraldsson.

Weak month for trout

  • Norway exported 8,907 tonnes of trout worth NOK 638 million in August
  • The value fell by NOK 124 million, or 16 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • The volume fell by 6 per cent
  • Ukraine, Lithuania and the United States were the largest markets for trout in August

Vietnam had the highest growth in value in August, with an increase in export value of NOK 16 million, or 167 per cent, compared with the same month last year. The export volume to Vietnam ended at 367 tonnes, which is 186 per cent higher than the same month last year

Low export volume for fresh cod

  • Norway exported 1,842 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 134 million in August
  • The value fell by NOK 8 million, or 6 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • The volume fell by 21 per cent
  • Denmark, the Netherlands and Lithuania were the largest markets for fresh cod in August

Because of lower quotas, landings of fresh cod continued to fall in August. This has contributed to a significant decline in the export volume of fresh wild cod.

For fresh wild cod, export volume fell by 34 per cent to 1,025 tonnes, while export value fell by 21 per cent to NOK 75 million.

Export volumes of fresh farmed cod increased by 6 per cent to 817 tonnes, while export value rose by 26 per cent to NOK 59 million. Farmed cod accounted for 44 per cent of the export value of fresh cod in August.

Strong growth to Spain and France

"As usual, transit and processing markets dominate exports of fresh cod and constitute our three largest destination markets. However, our fourth and fifth largest markets for fresh cod in August are the consumer markets of Spain and France," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Exports to Spain increased from 97 to 126 tonnes, while exports to France doubled from 46 to 92 tonnes. For both markets, farmed cod accounted for over 90 per cent of the volume.

China is the largest market for frozen cod

  • Norway exported 2,057 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 182 million in August
  • The value fell by NOK 12 million, or 6 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • The volume fell by 24 per cent
  • China, the United Kingdom and Lithuania were the largest markets for frozen cod in August

For the first time since January this year, China is our largest market for frozen cod.

The export volume to China is unchanged from last year, at 878 tonnes, while the export value increased by 22 per cent to NOK 72 million.

While the export volume of frozen whole cod fell by 12 per cent to 764 tonnes, exports of frozen edible by-products to China increased sharply from August last year, to 113 tonnes.

"Both of our largest European markets, the United Kingdom and Lithuania, saw stronger growth in exports of frozen whole cod in August than in the same month last year," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The volume to the United Kingdom fell by only 1 per cent to 550 tonnes, while the volume to Lithuania ended at 292 tonnes, compared to nothing last year.

Norway sold clipfish worth half a billion kroner

  • Norway exported 5,439 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 509 million in August
  • The value increased by NOK 77 million, or 18 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • The volume fell by 18 per cent
  • Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Brazil were the largest markets for clipfish in August

For clipfish made from saithe, the export volume fell by 29 per cent to 3,097 tonnes, while the export value increased by 8 per cent to 196 million kroner.

For clipfish made from cod, export volume increased by 6 per cent to 1,712 tonnes, while export value increased by 29 per cent to NOK 268 million.

Historically high share to Portugal

Our largest market for clipfish from cod, Portugal, had the highest value growth in August, with an increase in export value of NOK 66 million, or 44 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Export volume to Portugal ended at 1,372 tonnes, which is 12 per cent higher than the same month last year.

So far this year, as much as 79 per cent of cod clipfish exports have gone to Portugal. This is the highest share ever.

"The share going to Portugal is also at a record level for all cod combined. A full 37 per cent of Norwegian cod exports measured by value have gone to Portugal so far this year. We have to go all the way back to 1991 to find a similarly high share going to Portugal," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Challenging price growth

“Portugal is consolidating its position as Norway's clear largest market for clipfish made from cod. Relatively strong economic development and record-high tourism are contributing positively. However, low cod quotas are also creating challenges in Portugal. The price of clipfish is higher than ever, and fewer Portuguese are eating clipfish than before”, says the Norwegian Seafood Council's representative in Portugal, Gudfinna Traustadottir.

High raw material prices and limited availability of raw materials for clipfish made from saithe have created a challenging situation for the Norwegian clipfish industry.

Lower volumes to the Dominican Republic

To the Dominican Republic, which is our largest market, export volume fell by 25 per cent in August, to 1,364 tonnes.

A price increase of 63 per cent from the same month last year means that the price of clipfish has risen far more than food prices in general.

"The price situation in the market is very challenging for consumers and the local value chain. There is concern about how the price increase will affect consumption in the Dominican Republic," says Ørjan Kjærvik Olsen, country manager for new markets at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Brazil: Fall for cod, growth for saithe, ling and tusk

The development in Brazil follows the same trend we have seen throughout the year: export volumes for clipfish made from cod fell by 10 per cent in August, while volumes of saithe, ling and tusk increased. In terms of volume, only 12 per cent of clipfish exports to Brazil so far this year have been cod.

"This is the lowest proportion of cod ever recorded. Brazil is our only major clipfish market that consumes several different species of clipfish, and developments this year indicate that expensive and scarce cod is leading to a shift towards increased consumption of other species," says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Decline in volume and value of salted fish

  • Norway exported 371 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 32 million in August
  • The value fell by NOK 35 million, or 52 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • The volume fell by 58 per cent
  • Portugal, Canada and Italy were the largest markets for salted fish in August

The United States was Norway's largest market for stockfish in August

  • Norway exported 82 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 18 million in August
  • The value fell by NOK 29 million, or 62 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 58 per cent
  • The United States, Nigeria and Italy were the largest markets for stockfish in August

Increase in volume for herring

  • Norway exported 14,244 tonnes of herring worth NOK 298 million in August
  • The value fell by NOK 9 million, or 3 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • There was a 1 per cent increase in volume
  • Germany, Poland and Denmark were the largest markets for herring in August

The main season for North Sea herring fishing is now over, and the figures show that the same amount of North Sea herring has been landed so far this year as in the corresponding period last year (130,000 tonnes).

"This year, however, more of the herring has gone to consumption and less to the production of fishmeal and fish oil," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, responsible for pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

So far this year, 80,000 tonnes have been used for consumption, compared with 66,000 tonnes in the same period last year, an increase of 33 per cent.

Currency effect and lower quotas

“The reasons for this lie in less favourable prices for flour and oil. At the same time, the euro has strengthened against the dollar, which is significant as herring for consumption mainly goes to European markets. The fishmeal and fish oil trade, on the other hand, is strongly linked to the dollar”, explains Johnsen.

Another factor is lower quotas.

“With less raw material available, prices have risen, and consumer markets are generally willing to pay more. This has lifted the prices of fillet products, whole herring and marinated products over time”, explains Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Continued price growth for marinated products

For fillets, the picture is somewhat mixed, with the price of some products continuing to rise, while others have stagnated and fallen slightly compared to last year.

"Prices for marinated products continue to rise, and it is gratifying to see that export volumes so far this year have almost doubled compared to August last year," says Johnsen.

This comes in the wake of a new customs agreement with the EU.

Increased export value for mackerel

  • Norway exported 12,093 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 460 million in August
  • The value increased by NOK 29 million, or 7 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • The volume fell by 30 per cent
  • Vietnam, Japan and the United States were the largest markets for mackerel in August

August has become an important month for mackerel fishing in Norway, and there has been great excitement about how the start of the season would turn out.

"With a significantly lower quota and a continued tight supply of mackerel globally, it was expected that prices would be pushed upwards. In August, approximately the same amount of mackerel was caught as in the same month last year, with 56,000 tonnes," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, responsible for pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

New price record for mackerel under 600 grams

The decline in export volume is related to the fact that fishing started a little later this year.

"The high prices have led to some markets sitting on the fence, and more large mackerel over 600 grams have been landed, which fewer markets are demanding," explains Johnsen.

In August, a solid price record was set for mackerel under 600 grams, with an average of NOK 37.61 per kg. The previous record was set in February this year at NOK 30.22 per kg, an increase of 24.5 per cent.

Compared to the price in August last year, the increase is a formidable 54 per cent.

Exports affected by high price levels

"We are seeing that price levels are affecting exports at the start of the season, and Japanese buyers have been the most active so far. The United States is also an important market for large mackerel weighing over 600 grams, and with increased catches of large mackerel, we are seeing a solid increase in exports to the United States. So far this year, the export volume of large mackerel has grown by 83 per cent to this market”, says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

The United States was the largest market for king crab

  • Norway exported 195 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 117 million in August
  • The value increased by NOK 16 million, or 16 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • This represents a 10 per cent decline in volume
  • The United States, Vietnam and Canada were the largest markets for king crab in August

Over the last ten years, live king crab has dominated exports, especially in August when demand in Asia is high.

"Following the sanctions against Russian crab in the United States in 2022, Russia has shifted more of its exports towards live crab to Asia and started fishing earlier. This has pushed down prices for live crab in Asia," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Increased demand and higher prices

At the same time, the absence of Russian crab in the US has created a shortage and increased demand for frozen red king crab from Norway, resulting in high prices.

"This is reflected in the export figures for August. Exports of live king crab fell by 120 tonnes and are back to levels seen more than ten years ago, while exports of frozen king crab were the strongest in August since 2012 – both in volume and value," explains Voraa.

The United States had the highest growth in value in August, with an increase in export value of NOK 61 million, or 263 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Export volume to the USA ended at 137 tonnes, which is 155 per cent higher than the same month last year.

Strong August for snow crab

  • Norway exported 270 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 53 million in August
  • The value increased by NOK 46 million, or 706 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • This represents a 446 per cent increase in volume.
  • The United States, Japan and Canada were the largest markets for snow crab in August.

A new regulation has extended the snow crab season, with landings continuing until the closed season on 1st July.

"This has contributed to a sharp increase in August exports, with 270 tonnes. These are levels we have not seen since the start of snow crab exports ten years ago," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Increased demand

Compared to last year, when 49 tonnes were exported at an average price of NOK 133/kg, the average price of snow crab in August this year was NOK 196/kg.

"This is a clear indication of increased demand," emphasises Josefine Voraa.

Despite increased customs duties, over 63 per cent of the volume went to the United States.

The USA had the highest growth in value in August, with an increase in export value of NOK 29 million.

Value growth for prawns

  • Norway exported 3,140 tonnes of prawn worth NOK 157 million in August
  • The value increased by NOK 4 million, or 2 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • The volume fell by 9 per cent
  • Iceland, China and Sweden were the largest markets for prawn in August

After a good start to the year, landings in the Barents Sea have been weaker than last year. The decline continued in August and is one of the reasons why export volume was lower this year compared with the same month last year.

Exports of frozen peeled prawns to the UK have increased for seven months in a row, but fell by 57 per cent in August compared with a strong August last year.

"Increased exports to Sweden, Finland and other markets do not compensate for the decline, and the total volume of frozen peeled prawns fell by 25 per cent," says Josefine Voraa, responsible for shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Limited global access

At the same time, 1,231 tonnes of frozen raw prawn were sent to Iceland, an increase of 60 per cent compared to August last year.

"Globally, access to cold-water prawn is limited, and with a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian shrimp entering China, demand for Norwegian products has been strong," explains Josefine Voraa.

China has now been a growth market for 13 months in a row, and although growth was slightly lower in August, the country remained the largest growth market with 865 tonnes – an increase of 134 per cent from the same month last year.

"The export price of frozen, cooked shell-on prawns to China was 21 per cent higher than in August last year at NOK 51.76 per kg, reflecting the increased demand," says Voraa.