Export value in the first half of the year totalled NOK 85 billion

The first half of 2025 was the best ever for Norwegian seafood exports. In total, Norway exported 1.3 million tonnes of seafood setting an export record of NOK 85.2 billion. This is equivalent to a volume of 36 million meals every single day.

"The first half of the year shows that Norwegian seafood exports are strong, even in the face of demanding market conditions and increasing trade barriers. The fact that we are seeing growth in the value of exports to key markets such as the USA, China and the UK confirms the high level of confidence in Norwegian seafood products. This emphasises the robustness of the value chain and the value of effective market access and the seafood companies' long-term efforts in prioritised markets," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

“In a half-year marked by turbulence and uncertainty, it is especially gratifying to see that exports of Norwegian seafood not only remain robust but are actually growing. This underscores the industry’s ability to supply sustainable, high-quality seafood that people all over the world demand. I will continue the important work of ensuring favourable framework conditions for the export of Norwegian seafood,” says Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

Strong value growth for key species

“Our export engine, Norwegian salmon, has increased by 3 per cent in value, measured against last year, thereby boosting the value for the first half of the year. In addition, trout exports have grown strongly, along with far more valuable mackerel, herring and snow crab exports than in the same period last year," continues Chramer.

Facts about seafood exports in the first half of the year

This is an increase of NOK 4.6 billion, or 6 per cent, from the first half of last year
The largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in the first half of the year were the USA, Poland and China
The USA had the highest growth in value, with an increase in export value of NOK 2,394 million, or 38 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to the USA ended at 66,299 tonnes, which is 29 per cent higher than the first half of last year.
Seafood was exported to a total of 151 countries in the first half of the year. This is 10 more than in the first half of last year.

Seafood exports in June ended as follows:

The export value in June totalled NOK 13.2 billion.
This is an increase of NOK 1 billion, or 9 per cent, from the same month last year.

These were the 10 largest importers of Norwegian seafood in terms of value

USA: NOK 8.7 billion (+38 per cent)
Poland: NOK 7.6 billion (+4 per cent)
China: DKK 5.6 billion (+35%)
Denmark: DKK 5.4 billion (-26%)
United Kingdom: NOK 5.1 billion (+20%)
Netherlands: NOK 4.9 billion (-1%)
France: NOK 4.8 billion (-4%)
Spain: NOK 4.5 billion (0%)
Italy: NOK 3.5 billion (-6%)
Portugal: NOK 3.1 billion (+10%)

These were the 10 largest species in terms of value

Salmon: NOK 57.8 billion (+3%)
Cod: NOK 6.8 billion (-0%)
Trout: NOK 3.5 billion (+20%)
Mackerel: NOK 2.3 billion (+56%)
Sei: NOK 2.2 billion (+17%)
Herring: NOK 2 billion (+16%)
Snow crab: NOK 1.4 billion (+100%)
Haddock: NOK 1.2 billion (+17 per cent)
Prawns: NOK 964 million (+28%)
King crab: NOK 583 million (+70%)

Quarterly development in the first half-year

Quarter: NOK 44.2 billion (+9.3%)
Quarter: NOK 40.8 billion (+2.2%)

Development in exports from aquaculture in the first half of the year

The value from aquaculture accounts for 73 per cent of total seafood exports measured in value, while in volume it accounts for 50 per cent

In the first half of the year, Norway exported 0.7 million tonnes of seafood from aquaculture
The value was NOK 61.9 billion
This is a growth in volume of 22.7 per cent
The value increased by NOK 2.4 billion, or 4 per cent, compared with 2024

Development in exports from fisheries in the first half of the year

The value from fisheries accounts for 27 per cent of total seafood exports in terms of value, while in terms of volume it accounts for 50 per cent

In the first half of the year, Norway exported 0.7 million tonnes of seafood from fisheries
The value was NOK 22.7 billion
Volume fell by 9.2 per cent
Value increased by NOK 2.2 billion, or 11 per cent, compared to 2024

Salmon

Norway exported 609,946 tonnes of salmon with a value of NOK 57.8 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 1.6 billion, or 3 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
This is a growth in volume of 22 per cent
Poland, the USA and France were the largest markets for salmon in the first half of the year

“China had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 1,494 million, or 62 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to China ended at 42,224 tonnes, which is 122 per cent higher than in the first half of last year," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl.

“The growth trend to China continued in June. China was once again the largest growth market for Norwegian salmon this month, with an increase of NOK 321 million, or 84 per cent. This growth can be seen in the context of a strong increase in demand in China," explains Aandahl.

"It's the sum of new and different sales channels that are contributing to the massive growth of salmon to China," explains Sigmund Bjørgo, seafood envoy to China.

"Promotion and sales are taking place in online channels and on social media, with TikTok in particular dominating. At the same time, this is spilling over into the traditional sales channels, which are creating hybrid variants, with online shops and restaurants in one. These sell to passers-by, visitors sitting down and via delivery apps," says Bjørgo.

So far this year, China is Norway's sixth largest salmon market in terms of value, after Poland, the USA, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

"Poland is still Norway's largest salmon market, despite zero growth in value compared with the first half of last year," says Aandahl. "Inventory reductions in the first four months of the year characterised direct exports in these months, but a strong May and June meant that the value is now at the same level as last year," says Aandahl.

“Exports to the USA increased strongly in the first five months of the year, but the trend reversed in June, with a fall of 10 per cent in value. This development must be seen in the light of global demand, a tough competitive situation and the availability of fish of the right size," says Aandahl.

This is how salmon exports were in June:

Norway exported 110,000 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 9.2 billion in June
The value increased by NOK 428 million, or 5 per cent, compared with June last year
This is an increase in volume of 19 per cent

Trout

Norway exported 39,505 tonnes of trout worth NOK 3.5 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 579 million, or 20 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
This is a growth in volume of 34 per cent
Ukraine, the USA and Thailand were the largest markets for trout in the first half of the year

“Poland had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 154 million, or 150 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to Poland ended at 3,239 tonnes, which is 157 per cent higher than in the first half of last year. The trout is largely processed for export," says Paul Aandahl, seafood analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council. "So far this year, the biggest growth from Poland is fresh fillets for the German market," says Aandahl.

This is how trout exports were in June:

Norway exported 6,800 tonnes of trout with a value of NOK 549 million in June
The value increased by NOK 54 million, or 11 per cent, compared with June last year
This is a growth in volume of 9 per cent

Fresh cod

Norway exported 22,669 tonnes of fresh cod with a value of NOK 1.8 billion in the first half of the year
The value fell by NOK 13 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
• Volume fell by 20 per cent
Denmark, the Netherlands and Latvia were the largest markets for fresh cod in the first half of the year

“For fresh wild cod, export volumes fell by 34 per cent to 14,554 tonnes, while export value fell by 13 per cent to NOK 1.2 billion. For fresh farmed cod, the export volume increased by 26 per cent to 8,114 tonnes, while the export value increased by 47 per cent to NOK 544 million. "Farmed cod accounted for 31 per cent of the export value of fresh cod," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Latvia had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 113 million, or 132 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to Latvia ended at 2,918 tonnes, which is 92 per cent higher than in the first half of last year.

The price of fresh whole cod reached a record high of NOK 75 per kg. This is NOK 14 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.

“The reduction in quotas for wild cod has characterised exports of the fresh cod category this year, and it is not surprising that export volumes fell. The first half of the year has also been characterised by higher export prices for fresh cod, as well as a continued increase in the export volume of fresh farmed cod. Exports of fresh farmed cod have never been higher in the first half of the year, and the proportion of farmed cod is also at a record high," explains Brækkan.

France, Spain, Germany and Italy are among our largest markets for fresh cod, although little fresh cod is exported directly from Norway to these markets.

“Most of it is first exported to transit and processing markets such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Latvia, before being re-exported from there to the various fresh markets. Naturally, figures for domestic consumption show a decline in consumption of fresh cod in all of our largest markets this year, in line with the decline in quotas and export volumes," concludes Brækkan.

This is how fresh cod was exported in June:

Norway exported 1,800 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 130 million in June
The value fell by NOK 10 million, or 7 per cent, compared with June last year
Volume fell by 19 per cent

Frozen cod

Norway exported 21,569 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 1.8 billion in the first half of the year
The value fell by NOK 190 million, or 10 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
• Volume fell by 35 per cent
The UK, China and Vietnam were the largest markets for frozen cod in the first half of the year

“The UK had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 145 million, or 26 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to the UK ended at 7,496 tonnes, which is 10 per cent lower than in the first half of last year," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Half-year figures show the strength of the Norwegian British seafood trade

“The whitefish sector has been characterised by reduced quotas and increased prices throughout the spring. A significant proportion of Norwegian frozen cod and haddock is exported to the UK, where the fish & chips segment is under pressure because of higher costs and continued consumer restraint," explains seafood envoy to the UK, Victoria Braathen.

"Despite this, it is positive that Norwegian seafood maintains a strong market position in the UK, with growth in exports of both cod and haddock in June," says Braathen.

The price of frozen cod fillets is at a record high of NOK 132 per kg. This is NOK 11 per kg higher than the previous record, which was in the second half of 2024.
The price of frozen whole cod is at a record high of NOK 80 per kg. This is NOK 9 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.

“Exports of frozen cod have also been affected by the reduction in quotas. The UK is once again our largest market, with a smaller decline in export volume than other markets," continues Brækkan.

"Competition for access to cod is increasing in line with lower quotas, and developments in our traditionally largest market, the UK, once again show that they still want their fish and chips. However, the industry is experiencing significant challenges with higher costs and a price level that is contributing to a decline in consumption," says Brækkan.

“US tariffs against China have affected the flow of goods for frozen cod. China is still the second-largest market for frozen cod, followed by Vietnam in third place. Both China and Vietnam are processing markets for frozen cod, and both re-export most of it as frozen fillets to the USA and Europe," concludes Brækkan.

This was the export of frozen cod in June:

Norway exported 2,800 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 207 million in June
The value was unchanged from the same month last year
Volume fell by 12 per cent

Clipfish

Norway exported 35,459 tonnes of clipfish with a value of NOK 2.8 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 359 million, or 15 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
• Volume fell by 5 per cent
Portugal, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were the largest markets for clipfish in the first half of the year

“For saithe clipfish, export volumes fell by 14 per cent to 20,802 tonnes, while export value increased by 16 per cent to NOK 1.1 billion. For clipfish from cod, the export volume fell 11 per cent to 9,068 tonnes, while the export value increased 5 per cent to NOK 1.3 billion," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Portugal had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 113 million, or 12 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to Portugal ended at 7,608 tonnes, which is 4 per cent lower than in the first half of last year.

The price of whole cod clipfish reached a record high of NOK 147 per kg. This is NOK 13 higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.
There is a record high price for whole clipfish of saithe at NOK 55 per kg. This is NOK 7 higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the first half of 2023.

For saithe clipfish, the Dominican Republic is our largest market for the sixth year in a row, ahead of Congo.

“As usual, Portugal is by far our most important market for cod clipfish. Although consumption in Portugal has also fallen in line with lower cod quotas, the trend has been stronger than in other markets. More than 80 per cent of all Portuguese eat clipfish at least once a year, and the vast majority continue to eat bacalao even though it has become significantly more expensive in recent years," says Brækkan.

This is how clipfish exports were in June:

Norway exported 6,200 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 583 million in June
The value increased by NOK 188 million, or 47 per cent, compared with June last year
This is a growth in volume of 5 per cent

Salted fish

Norway exported 14,450 tonnes of salted fish with a value of NOK 1.6 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 143 million, or 10 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
• Volume fell by 14 per cent
Portugal, Greece and Italy were the largest markets for salted fish in the first half of the year

This is a record high export value for salted fish for a six-month period, NOK 77 million higher than the previous record, which was in the first half of 2023.

“Portugal had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 137 million, or 11 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to Portugal ended at 10,784 tonnes, which is 11 per cent lower than in the first half of last year," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

The price of salted whole cod reached a record high of NOK 126 per kg. This is NOK 21 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.

Even with lower cod quotas, most of the salted fish exported is still cod. As much as 80 per cent of salted fish exports were salted whole cod in the first half of the year.

“For salted cod, Portugal is, as usual, by far our largest market. Almost 90 per cent of exports of salted cod went to Portugal. This is used by the industry in Portugal to produce clipfish mainly for the Portuguese market, but also for export to other markets such as Brazil, France and Spain," explains Brækkan.

"In Portugal, we've seen a long-term shift towards increased consumption of frozen diluted clipfish. This requires less time to prepare than traditional clipfish and has become an attractive alternative in Portugal, both in the restaurant and grocery sectors. The salted fish from Norway is largely used to produce frozen diluted clipfish," Brækkan continues.

This is how salted fish was exported in June:

Norway exported 2,300 tonnes of salted fish with a value of NOK 260 million in June
The value increased by NOK 32 million, or 14 per cent, compared with June last year
Volume fell by 10 per cent

Dried fish

Norway exported 1,522 tonnes of stockfish with a value of NOK 442 million in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 6 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
• Volume fell by 12 per cent
Italy, the USA and Nigeria were the largest markets for stockfish in the first half of the year

The USA had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 7 million, or 29 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to the USA ended at 95 tonnes, which is 8 per cent higher than in the first half of last year.

At NOK 337 per kg, the price of whole stockfish from cod reached a record high. This is NOK 22 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.

“The low cod quotas result in strong competition for raw materials and significantly higher production costs for the stockfish industry. This year, landing prices for fresh whole cod have risen sharply," explains Brækkan.

“However, due to the long production time, none of this year's production has been exported yet. Exports in the first half of the year were produced last year, and it won't be until the autumn that we'll see whether this year's stockfish production manages to achieve a price increase that compensates for higher raw material prices this year," he continues.

"In our largest stockfish market, Italy, we are seeing a positive trend for processed stockfish products, with increased consumption and more products in stores”.

Traditional dried stockfish is rarely sold directly to the consumer in Italy, except for the northern region. Norwegian stockfish is therefore largely sent for further processing in Italy. The industry in Italy, as well as players further down the value chain, are also experiencing challenges with higher stockfish prices, making product development more important than ever. Against this backdrop, we are very excited about developments in the second half of the year," says Brækkan.

Exports of stockfish in June:

Norway exported 133 tonnes of stockfish with a value of NOK 31 million in June
The value increased by NOK 4 million, or 16 per cent, compared with June last year
Volume fell by 3 per cent

Herring

Norway exported 99,546 tonnes of herring worth NOK 2 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 273 million, or 16 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
• Volume fell by 1 per cent
Poland, Egypt and Germany were the largest markets for herring in the first half of the year

“Egypt had the highest value growth in the first half of the year, with an increase in export value of NOK 114 million, or 91 per cent, compared with the first half of last year. The export volume to Egypt ended at 16,763 tonnes, which is 69 per cent higher than in the first half of last year," explains seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl.

The price of prepared/preserved herring reached a record high of NOK 29 per kg. This is NOK 4 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the first half of 2024.
There is a record high price for frozen herring fillets at NOK 23 per kg. This is NOK 1 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.

"The fall in the price of fishmeal and fish oil has resulted in a lower price for residual raw materials from fillet production, making it more favourable to export whole frozen herring," says Paul T. Aandahl, Seafood Analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Frozen whole NVG herring has so far increased by 89 per cent to NOK 388 million. Egypt dominates with a share of 59 per cent. Exports of frozen whole North Sea herring have increased by 40 per cent to NOK 200 million. The Netherlands is the largest market with a share of 61 per cent," says Aandahl.

Growth for marinated herring products

Since the customs agreement with the EU came into place on 1 January, exports of marinated herring products have increased sharply.

“The volume increased by 144 per cent to 9,100 tonnes of marinated herring products with a value of NOK 269 million, up 163 per cent. Poland and Sweden are the most important recipients of marinated herring," says Aandahl.

Exports of herring in June:

Norway exported 14,600 tonnes of herring worth NOK 314 million in June
The value increased by NOK 117 million, or 60 per cent, compared with June last year
This is an increase in volume of 57 per cent

Mackerel

Norway exported 73,662 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 2.3 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 829 million, or 56 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
This is a growth in volume of 15 per cent
South Korea, Vietnam were the largest markets for mackerel in the first half of the year

"Expectations of a lower supply of mackerel in 2025 and continued high demand are characterising the price situation for mackerel," says Aandahl.

The price of frozen whole mackerel is at a record high of NOK 30 per kg. This is NOK 3 per kg higher than the previous record half-year, which was in the second half of 2024.

So far this year, Norwegian exports have mainly consisted of imported mackerel. The Norwegian fishing season does not start in earnest until July. According to Norges Sildesalgslag, around 85 per cent of the ordinary quota remains," explains Aandahl.

This is how mackerel was exported in June:

Norway exported 4,500 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 150 million in June
The value increased by NOK 19 million, or 15 per cent, compared with June last year
The volume fell by 16 per cent

King crab

Norway exported 972 tonnes of king crab with a value of NOK 583 million in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 240 million, or 70 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
This is an increase in volume of 65 per cent
The USA, Hong Kong SAR and China were the largest markets for king crab in the first half of the year

“A quota increase of 56 per cent has resulted in significantly higher landings in the quota area, particularly in January and February. After the closed season in March and April, fishing picked up again in June, with higher landings than in the same month last year," says seafood analyst Josefine Voraa.

“Activity has also been high in the unregulated free area, especially from March onwards. A total of 1,279 tonnes of king crab were landed in the first half of the year - an increase of 139 per cent from 2024," continues Voraa.

"This has laid the foundation for a new export record. A total of 972 tonnes of king crab were exported with a value of NOK 583 million - an increase of 65 per cent in volume.

Frozen king crab accounted for most of the increase, with 496 tonnes and a value increase of 184 per cent, equivalent to NOK 239 million.

Since the sanctions against Russian crab came into force, the US market has had a deficit of king crab. This has led to high demand and historically high prices across all sizes. The US was by far the largest market for frozen king crab, with 82 per cent of the volume and 85 per cent of the value," says Voora.

Exports of live king crab increased to 421 tonnes, up from 268 tonnes last year. At the same time, the average price fell by 17 per cent to NOK 495 per kg, resulting in a decline in export value of five per cent.

“The price differences between the markets are due to variations in size, increased Russian supplies in Asia and sanctions in the USA and Europe. Smaller crabs from the free zone are sold at lower prices and are more competitive in Asia, which has led to increased exports to China and Hong Kong - but at lower prices than those achieved in Western markets," explains Voraa.

King crab exports in June:

Norway exported 202 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 92 million in June
The value increased by NOK 43 million, or 87 per cent, compared with June last year
This is a growth in volume of 133 per cent

Snow crab

Norway exported 6,348 tonnes of snow crab with a value of NOK 1.4 billion in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 711 million, or 100 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
This is a growth in volume of 1 per cent
The USA, Denmark and Japan were the largest markets for snow crab in the first half of the year

"Snow crab exports were at record levels in the first half of the year, fuelled by export prices that were significantly higher than last year, with an average price of NOK 224 per kg. This is 99 per cent more than in the first half of 2024," says Voraa.

Demand was particularly strong in the first quarter, with little snow crab in stock in the US, before Canada started its season and the introduction of 10 per cent tariffs to Norway and zero tariffs to Canada.

North America dominated exports with 70 per cent of both volume and value. The USA alone imported 3,834 tonnes with a value of NOK 870 million - the highest level ever. "In June, however, the share going to Asia increased, driven by lower availability of large crab and a smaller price difference between the US and Asian markets," explains Voraa.

Snow crab exports in June:

Norway exported 466 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 83 million in June
The value increased by NOK 75 million, or 941 per cent, compared with June last year
This is an increase in volume of 663 per cent

“New regulation with vessel quotas led to a longer fishing season in 2025 and landings of snow crab in both May and June compared with nothing in the last two years. This made June a very strong export month for snow crab compared with last year when only 61 tonnes were exported," says Josefine Voraa.

Prawns

Norway exported 17,202 tonnes of prawns with a value of NOK 964 million in the first half of the year
The value increased by NOK 213 million, or 28 per cent, compared with the first half of last year
This is a growth in volume of 14 per cent
China, Denmark were the largest markets for shrimp in the first half of the year

“Prawns exports reached a record high of NOK 964 million in the first half of 2025. This is the highest value ever and an increase in volume of 28 per cent from the same period last year. The growth is driven by increased demand for ready-to-eat products such as frozen, peeled prawns and frozen, cooked shell-on prawns," explains Seafood Analyst Josefine Voraa.

Frozen peeled prawns grew the most in value - up 36 per cent to NOK 467 million - with the UK as the largest growth market.

Exports to the UK increased by 73 per cent, and the country is now the largest single market for this product. Increased demand and lower supplies from Canada and Greenland have led to strong growth in exports from Norway after the first half of the year.

“Frozen, cooked shell prawns were the largest product in terms of volume with 6,588 tonnes (+67 per cent) and an increase in value of NOK 99 million. China has become the largest recipient country with 2,500 tonnes, showing a threefold increase from last year. Exports of frozen raw shrimp to China have also increased, making the country Norway's largest prawns market in the first half of the year," concludes Voraa.

Prawns exports in June:

Norway exported 4,600 tonnes of prawns with a value of NOK 225 million in June
The value increased by NOK 62 million, or 38 per cent, compared with June last year
This is an increase in volume of 23 per cent