Norway exported seafood worth NOK 15.3 billion in January. This is an increase of NOK 1.9 billion, or 14 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

“January was characterised by increased export volumes for salmon and solid value growth for several of our wild-caught species. In addition, the Norwegian krone has weakened against both the dollar and the euro compared with January last year. In terms of value, this was the best January ever for Norwegian seafood exports," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

USA was the largest single market

The US was the largest single market for Norwegian seafood exports in January, measured in value. Norway exported fish and shellfish to the US market worth NOK 1.5 billion, which accounted for 9.7 per cent of total seafood exports last month.

“Even though President Donald Trump has talked a lot about increased tariffs for his trading partners, we note that January was a historic month for Norwegian seafood exports to the US. Never has Norway exported fish and shellfish worth as much to the US market as we did in January. This shows that seafood is also important for Norway in trade with the US," says Chramer.

Sales record

The US also saw the greatest growth in value in January, with an increase of NOK 428 million, or 41 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

“Over time, the USA has developed into one of our most important individual markets. In January alone, we sold more than NOK 1 billion worth of salmon to the USA, which is a new value record. This emphasises the importance of having the best possible trade agreements, including with the USA," explains Christian Chramer.

The largest species to the US

Here is an overview of the largest Norwegian seafood species exported to the United States in January in terms of value (change in brackets):

  1. Salmon: NOK 1.1 billion (+ 39%)
  2. Trout: 110.6 million (+ 55%)
  3. King crab: NOK 105 million (+ 81%)
  4. Mackerel: NOK 31.7 million (+ 41%)
  5. Haddock: NOK 23.2 million (+ 7%)

Favourable production conditions for salmon

In January, Norway exported salmon totalling NOK 10.9 billion.

"Salmon and trout have enjoyed good production conditions this autumn and winter with high sea temperatures, which has ensured good growth for the fish. As a result, we exported more salmon in January than in the same month last year," says Chramer.

Quota cuts for cod affect exports

January is an important month for Norwegian cod, and especially cod. In 2025, the cod quota has been reduced by 25 per cent, and Norway now has the lowest cod quota since 1991.

“The quota reduction is necessary to ensure a sustainable cod stock, but of course it also affects exports. Lower available volumes have resulted in strong price growth for skrei and other cod products in January. At the same time, it illustrates the difficult situation for the Norwegian onshore industry, with increasingly tough competition for raw materials for processing into fillets, salted fish, clipfish and stockfish," says Christian Chramer.

Seafood was exported to a total of 112 countries in January. This is 8 fewer than in January last year.

Increased volume resulted in solid salmon exports

  • Norway exported 95,100 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 10.9 billion in January
  • The value increased by NOK 1.2 billion, or 13 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • This is a growth in volume of 10 per cent
  • The US, Poland and France were the largest markets for salmon in January

The USA saw the greatest growth in value in January, with an increase in export value of NOK 319 million, or 39 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to the US ended at 7,313 tonnes, which is 40 per cent higher than in the same month last year. January is generally a strong month for salmon exports to the USA. The US was also the largest market for salmon in January 2023.

Plenty of salmon in the right size contributes to US growth

"The strong growth in exports of salmon and trout to the USA is partly due to the fact that there was a lot of fish of the right size and quality available for the US market in January. The further weakening of the Norwegian krone against the US dollar is also a factor," says Anne-Kristine Øen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the USA.

China was the second largest growth market in January, with growth of NOK 284 million, totalling NOK 769 million

“Favourable production conditions have increased the availability of salmon sizes that are in demand in China. In addition, the Chinese New Year came earlier than last year. This has given an extra boost to salmon exports in January," says Seafood Analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The price of fresh salmon fillets is at a record high of NOK 160 per kg. This is NOK 1 per kg higher than the previous record month, which was in April 2023.

Strong increase for trout

  • Norway exported 7,174 tonnes of trout worth NOK 687 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 253 million, or 58 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • This is a growth in volume of 58 per cent
  • Ukraine, USA and Thailand were the largest markets for trout in January

“As in the case of salmon, recent high sea temperatures have led to growth in production and increased exports of trout. "The growth in volume led to a value record for the month of January, and the value was the second highest ever. It has only been beaten by exports in August 2024," says Seafood Analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Volume drops for fresh cod

  • Norway exported 3,317 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 267 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 38 million, or 17 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 5 per cent
  • Denmark, the Netherlands and Latvia were the largest markets for fresh cod in January

Lower cod quotas and a decline in landings in January contributed to a significant decrease in the export volume of fresh wild cod.

For fresh wild cod, export volumes fell 19 per cent to 1,980 tonnes, while export value increased 3 per cent to NOK 175 million.

For fresh farmed cod, the export volume increased by 26 per cent to 1,337 tonnes, while the export value increased by 56 per cent to NOK 92 million.

Highest share ever for farmed cod

“Farmed cod accounted for 35 per cent of the export value of fresh cod in January. This is the highest proportion of farmed cod ever in the month of January. This is not unnatural, given the quota situation for wild-caught cod," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

All the largest destination countries for fresh cod in January are typical transit markets. Norwegian fresh cod is mainly re-exported from these transit markets to major fresh markets in Europe, such as France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain.

Heavy start to the skrei season

  • Norway exported 420 tonnes of quality labelled skrei worth NOK 45 million in January
  • The value fell by NOK 5 million, or 9 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 30 per cent
  • Denmark, Spain and Sweden were the largest markets for skrei in January

“The sharp decline in export volumes in January is not surprising. A lot of bad weather combined with a sharp quota cut has contributed to a large decline in landings in January. This has also affected export volumes," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Historically high price

At the same time, the export price for quality labelled skrei has never been higher in a single month.

“With an export price of NOK 107 per kg in January, this is NOK 24 per kg higher than the previous record month, which was January 2024," explains Brækkan.

Decline in volume and value for frozen cod

  • Norway exported 3,607 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 294 million in January
  • The value fell by NOK 75 million, or 20 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 52 per cent
  • China, the UK and Vietnam were the largest markets for frozen cod in January

The UK saw the greatest growth in value in January, with an increase in export value of NOK 31 million, or 44 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to the UK ended at 1,088 tonnes, which is the same as in January last year.

“The quota reduction contributed to a sharp reduction in both landings and export volumes of frozen cod in January. High price growth dampened the decline in export value, and it is the UK that stands out in a positive direction," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The UK remains a very important market

One month into 2025, it looks like the trend from 2024, where the UK steadily took a larger share of frozen cod exports from Norway, will continue.

"January's exports confirm that the UK continues to be a very important market for Norwegian cod and frozen products in particular," says Victoria Braathen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the UK.

Export volumes to both China and Vietnam are falling compared with January last year. Both countries re-export a lot of processed cod to the USA.

"The turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the introduction of tariffs on US imports may affect exports of frozen cod to these important processing markets in the future," explains Brækkan.

Value growth for clipfish

  • Norway exported 7,828 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 551 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 31 million, or 6 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 14 per cent
  • Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Portugal were the largest markets for clipfish in January

For saithe clipfish, the export volume fell by 16 per cent to 5,366 tonnes, while the export value increased by 13 per cent to NOK 302 million.

For cod clipfish, the export volume fell by 36 per cent to 952 tonnes, while the export value fell by 14 per cent to NOK 158 million.

“Only 12 per cent of the export volume of clipfish in January was cod. This is the lowest proportion of cod ever," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Saithe accounts for 69 per cent of export volume

Among other species, saithe dominates with 69 per cent of the export volume, while tusk has 11 per cent and ling 6 per cent of the export volume of clipfish in January.

To Brazil, which was our largest clipfish market in January, exports of clipfish totalled NOK 286 million, 1 per cent more than in January last year.

“Saithe clipfish accounted for half of exports in terms of value, while 25 per cent was cod. Cusk and ling accounted for the remaining 25 per cent," explains Brækkan.

The export volume of cod clipfish was more than halved to 418 tonnes in January, while there was an increase in the export volume of ling clipfish of 165 per cent to a total of 321 tonnes.

Largest growth to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic had the highest value growth in January, with an increase in export value of NOK 12 million, or 19 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to the Dominican Republic ended at 1,403 tonnes, which is 16 per cent lower than the same month last year.

"The increase in export value is driven by higher export prices for saithe clipfish, which accounted for 96 per cent of the export volume to the Dominican Republic in January," says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Weak month for salted fish

  • Norway exported 895 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 66 million in January
  • The value fell by NOK 6 million, or 8 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 24 per cent
  • Portugal, Greece and Canada were the largest markets for salted fish in January

For salted cod, the export volume fell 37 per cent to 390 tonnes, while the export value fell 22 per cent to NOK 37 million.

“As a result, cod accounted for only 44 per cent of the export value of salted fish in January. This is the lowest share of cod of Norwegian salted fish exports in a January month ever," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

However, exports of salted fish to Portugal are holding up well, with a decline in volume of only 4 per cent in January, to 326 tonnes, and an increase in value of 9 per cent, to NOK 30 million. All were salted cod fish.

Growth to Greece

Greece had the highest value growth in January, with an increase in export value of NOK 8 million, or 63 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to Greece ended at 308 tonnes, which is 32 per cent higher than the same month last year.

"The increase in exports to Greece is driven by a higher export volume of clipfish from ling, which increased by as much as 152 per cent to a total of 272 tonnes," says Brækkan

Increased value for stockfish

  • Norway exported 356 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 112 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 9 million, or 9 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 14 per cent
  • Italy, Croatia and Canada were the largest markets for stockfish in January

Cod stockfish exports increased by 3 per cent to 320 tonnes and an export value of NOK 109 million, which is 9 per cent higher than in January last year.

Italy, Norway's largest stockfish market, saw the greatest growth in value in January, with an increase in export value of NOK 7 million, or 9 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to Italy ended at 275 tonnes, which is 3 per cent lower than the same month last year

Positive development in Italy

"The dried fish exported in January was produced and landed last year. We will therefore have to wait until we get closer to Christmas to be able to assess the consequences of this year's quota reduction," says Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

There are positive developments in Italy in the form of increased product development and sales of processed and pre-prepared stockfish products. This could make a positive contribution to demand in our most important stockfish market.

“However, it is difficult to assess the development of a storage-friendly product such as stockfish based on export statistics for a single month. January was nevertheless more positive than we might have feared," says Brækkan.

Value growth and volume decline for herring

  • Norway exported 20,997 tonnes of herring worth NOK 438 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 12 million, or 3 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 10 per cent
  • Poland, Lithuania and Sweden were the largest markets for herring in January

Despite good herring fishing, which landed 20,000 tonnes more herring in January this year compared with last year, export volumes declined

"Prices are rising, so this is not due to changes in demand. Since herring is exported frozen and fillet products are often on contract, the agreed delivery time may be shifted so that exports do not necessarily reflect the catches within a month," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, Head of Pelagic Species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Price record for the largest export products

In January, a price record was set for skinless fillets, whole frozen herring and marinated herring, which are the three largest export products.

“The price development is driven by expectations of a very tight supply situation with another reduction in quotas," explains Johnsen.

After a difficult period for marinated herring products due to the lack of an active customs agreement with the EU, this is in effect from 1 January.

“The result was an immediate increase in exports of vinegar-treated herring, which is the largest product. Here, exports increased from 1,200 to 2,100 tonnes. "This is an increase of 66 per cent compared with January last year. At the same time, the price increased by 16 per cent," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Strong month for mackerel

  • Norway exported 24,402 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 737 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 355 million, or 93 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 46 per cent
  • South Korea, Vietnam and China were the largest markets for mackerel in January

“As with herring, more mackerel was landed in January than in the same month last year. For the first time since before Brexit, Norwegian boats also participated in the January fishery around Shetland. Around 38,000 tonnes were landed, of which Norwegian boats accounted for 6,500 tonnes. At the same time last year, 29,000 tonnes were landed, and then nothing came from Norwegian boats," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, Head of Pelagic Species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Expected quota cut of 22 per cent

The mackerel quota is expected to be reduced by 22 per cent when the final quota is set after negotiations in the spring.

“This is the fourth year in a row that the quota has been reduced. This time it is expected to end at around 170,000 tonnes, which is 44 per cent lower than in 2021," Johnsen explains.

At the same time, there is good demand in the markets.

“This is pushing prices upwards, and in January a record was once again set for mackerel under 600 grams, which is by far the largest product. This is the sixth month in a row that a record has been set," says Johnsen.

The mackerel is strong

Exports of NOK 737 million in January are also a clear record. The previous record was from 2021 and totalled NOK 628 million. However, around 42,000 tonnes of mackerel were exported then, or 71 per cent, more than in January this year.

"Mackerel has a strong position in many markets and is still an affordable product compared to other protein sources. The long-term high price increase, as well as low available volumes, will contribute to changes in the markets," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Value increase for king crab

  • Norway exported 174 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 130 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 34 million, or 36 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 2 per cent
  • The US, Canada and Denmark were the largest markets for king crab in January

January is usually a strong month for king crab exports, with particularly high demand in connection with Chinese New Year

“January saw strong demand for Norwegian king crab in the USA. A weakened Norwegian krone against the dollar lifted the value and prices of frozen king crab to a record high of NOK 913 per kg. That's NOK 1 per kg more than the previous record month of June 2022," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Record prices for frozen red king crab in the US

With more large king crab available, and high prices in the US market, a larger share of both frozen and live king crab has gone to the US.

The US market accounted for 81 per cent of the export value and 77 per cent of the export volume in January this year, with 134 tonnes worth NOK 47 million. This is 81 per cent higher than in January last year.

“After the US market was emptied of Russian king crab, demand for Norwegian king crab has increased sharply, with strong price growth for all sizes. Even with quota increases in Norway and a small quota in Alaska, the volumes are not large enough to replace the Russian volumes. As a result, we now have record prices for frozen red king crab in the US market," says Anne-Kristine Øen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the USA.

Solid start for snow crab

  • Norway exported 211 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 42 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 32 million, or 315 per cent, compared to the same month last year
  • This is a growth in volume of 72 per cent
  • The Netherlands, USA and Denmark were the largest markets for snow crab in January

“As there is little snow crab available in stock after the Christmas season, there is good demand in the US market. There is also a new season with increased quotas in Norway. "New regulations with vessel quotas have led to larger volumes being exported at higher prices compared with January last year," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The export price in January ended at NOK 200 per kg, which is NOK 116 per kg more than in January last year.

“In January, a consignment of live snow crab was exported to China for the very first time. This was due to the species being approved by the Chinese authorities in December," says Voraa.

Good month for prawn exports

  • Norway exported 1,682 tonnes of prawn to a value of NOK 117 million in January
  • The value increased by NOK 28 million, or 32 per cent, compared with the same month last year.
  • Volume fell by 1 per cent
  • The UK, Sweden and Denmark were the largest markets for prawn in January

"Prawn exports are continuing their strong development from last year, with increased export values. Compared with January last year, there is a volume growth 408 tonnes in exports of peeled prawn," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The export value of peeled prawn ended at NOK 36 million, which is 73 per cent higher than in the same month last year.

Almost all the volume growth can be attributed to the UK market, which had the strongest January in over 20 years, with an export volume of 362 tonnes. This is 220 per cent higher than in January last year.

"Increased processing of prawn in Norway and a decline in production in other supplier countries of cold-water prawn means that Norwegian prawn are taking a larger share of this important prawn market at the start of the new year," says Victoria Braathen, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to the UK.