Increased prices and salmon growth to China resulted in solid seafood exports in September

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 17.9 billion in September. This is an increase of NOK 1.4 billion, or 8 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

“Seafood exports have had a strong month in terms of value and a solid third quarter. This is primarily due to higher prices for mackerel, cod, saithe and king crab," says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in September were Poland, China and the USA.

Largest growth to China

China had the greatest growth in value in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 393 million, or 39 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

"The EU is still our largest overall market, but Norway is now taking an increasing share of the growing Chinese salmon and prawn market. This is gratifying at a time when world trade is experiencing demanding times with increased tariffs and economic turmoil," says Chramer.

King crab, trout and mackerel increase to USA

September was the first full month in which Norway was faced with a 15 per cent tariff on seafood entering the US market.

In September, the US bought seafood from Norway for NOK 1.3 billion. This is a growth in volume and value of 9 per cent compared with the same month last year.

"Exports of king crab, trout and mackerel largely boosted the value to the US in September," explains Chramer.

Increased competition affects salmon exports

For salmon, the picture is not as positive. In the first half of the year, 10.6 per cent of Norwegian salmon exports went to the US, measured in value. In the third quarter it was 7.6 per cent.

“The value of salmon exports to the USA fell by 5 per cent compared with the third quarter last year. Stronger competition, increased tariffs and a weaker dollar have affected exports of fresh whole salmon to the US, which have fallen sharply in recent months," explains Chramer.

Quota cuts, higher prices and challenging times for the seafood industry

Mackerel was the species with the greatest growth in value in September, with an increase of NOK 500 million compared with the same month last year.

"The quota cuts for several of our wild-caught species in 2025, such as cod and mackerel, are being felt throughout the value chain. When the supply falls, both the export value and the price on store shelves increase. At the same time, the battle for raw materials means that parts of the Norwegian seafood industry are experiencing very demanding times. We've seen this trend for some time now, and it's worrying," says Christian Chramer.

So far this year, Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 130.8 billion. This is an increase of NOK 6.3 billion, or 5 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

Seafood exports in the third quarter

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 45.9 billion in the third quarter
This is an increase of NOK 1.9 billion, or 4 per cent, compared with the same period last year
The largest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in the third quarter were Poland, China and the USA
China had the highest value growth, with an increase in export value of NOK 1.3 billion, or 54 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Seafood was exported to a total of 134 countries in the third quarter

Volume decline and value growth for salmon

Norway exported 137,600 tonnes of salmon with a value of NOK 11.6 billion in September
The value increased by NOK 261 million, or 2 per cent, compared with September last year
Volume fell by 1 per cent
Poland, the USA and France were the largest markets for salmon in September

China had the highest growth in value in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 352 million, or 78 per cent, compared with September last year.

The export volume to China ended at 8,147 tonnes, which is 68 per cent higher than in September last year.

China: Norway takes market share from Chile

Norwegian salmon's share of the Chinese market has increased from 43 per cent last year to 65 per cent this year.

“The Chilean share in particular has declined," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Sweden: Price falls and growth in home consumption

Sweden was Norway's second largest growth market for salmon in September, with an increase of 23 per cent to NOK 317 million. Export growth was greatest for frozen fillets.

“This is primarily due to an adjustment of inventories in the run-up to winter. In addition, both a fall in prices and growth in domestic consumption of fresh salmon and smoked salmon made a positive contribution. 70 per cent of Swedes say that price is the biggest barrier to eating more seafood," says Charlotte Rapp, Manager Sweden with the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Exports of salmon in the third quarter

Norway exported 416,855 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 32 billion in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 497 million, or 2 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 13 per cent
Poland, the USA and the Netherlands were the largest markets for salmon in the third quarter

Good month for trout

Norway exported 8,400 tonnes of trout with a value of NOK 681 million in September
The value increased by NOK 64 million, or 10 per cent, compared with September last year
This is a growth in volume of 12 per cent
The USA, Ukraine and Thailand were the largest markets for trout in September

Ukraine had the highest value growth in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 40 million, or 64 per cent, compared with September last year.

The export volume to Ukraine ended at 1,441 tonnes, which is 59 per cent higher than September last year.

Exports of trout in the third quarter

Norway exported 26,601 tonnes of trout worth NOK 2 billion in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 3 million compared with the third quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 7 per cent
The USA, Ukraine and Lithuania were the largest markets for trout in the third quarter

Value growth for fresh cod

Norway exported 2,000 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 143 million in September
The value increased by NOK 50 million, or 53 per cent, compared with September last year
This is a growth in volume of 36 per cent
Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland were the largest markets for fresh cod in September

Landings of fresh cod in September were roughly at the same level as in September last year.

“This contributed to growth in exports of fresh wild cod in September compared with the same month last year. We have to go all the way back to September 2023 to find the previous month with an increased export volume of fresh wild cod," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Highest share of farmed cod ever

For fresh wild cod, the export volume increased by 14 per cent to 800 tonnes, while the export value increased by 28 per cent to NOK 59 million.

For fresh farmed cod, the export volume increased by 57 per cent to 1,189 tonnes, while the export value increased by 78 per cent to NOK 84 million.

“Farmed cod accounted for 59 per cent of the export value of fresh cod in September. This is the highest proportion of farmed cod ever in a single month," explains Brækkan.

Denmark bought the freshest wild cod

For fresh wild cod, it is as usual the transit country Denmark that dominates. As much as 71 per cent of the export volume of fresh wild cod ended up there in September.

“For fresh farmed cod, 41 per cent of exports went to the transit and processing market, the Netherlands, but a lot was also exported directly to the consumer markets of Spain and France," says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Higher price level than last year

The export volume for farmed cod to Spain ended at 178 tonnes, which is 3 per cent higher than in September last year. 84 tonnes of farmed cod were exported to France, which is a multiple of last year.

Even with the increased volume of fresh cod, the price level is significantly higher than last year. The export price of fresh whole wild cod was NOK 72 per kg in September, while fresh whole farmed cod had an export price of NOK 70. This is an increase of 13 and 17 per cent respectively compared with the same month last year.

Exports of fresh cod in the third quarter

Norway exported 5,859 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 419 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 47 million, or 13 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Volume fell by 4 per cent
Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland were the largest markets for fresh cod in the third quarter

Historic market change for frozen cod

Norway exported 2,200 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 185 million in September
The value increased by NOK 38 million, or 26 per cent, compared with September last year
This is a growth in volume of 8 per cent
Vietnam, China and the UK were the largest markets for frozen cod in September

For the first time, Vietnam is our largest market for frozen cod.

“Vietnam was also the market with the highest value growth in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 40 million, or 245 per cent, compared with September last year," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The export volume to Vietnam ended at 672 tonnes, which is 175 per cent higher than in September last year.

China: Sharp decline in exports of frozen cod fillets to the US

China grew by 3 per cent in September, but this was due to increased export volumes of frozen by-products.

For frozen whole cod, the export volume to China fell by 19 per cent to 641 tonnes.

"Most of the frozen whole cod that goes to China is processed and re-exported as frozen fillets to the USA and Europe. China now faces a high tariff on exports to the US, and there has been a sharp decline in Chinese exports of frozen cod fillets to the US in recent months. In the same period, exports from China to Europe have increased," explains Brækkan.

"Vietnam faces a lower tariff than China when exporting to the US, which may have contributed to Vietnam being our largest market for frozen cod in a single month for the first time," says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan.

Exports of frozen cod in the third quarter

Norway exported 6,715 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 558 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 71 million, or 15 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Volume fell by 3 per cent
China, the UK and Vietnam were the largest markets for frozen cod in the third quarter

Value growth for clipfish

Norway exported 8,700 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 891 million in September
The value increased by NOK 232 million, or 35 per cent, compared with September last year
Volume fell by 1 per cent
Portugal, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were the largest markets for clipfish in September

For saithe clipfish, export volumes fell by 15 per cent to 3,929 tonnes, while export value increased by 24 per cent to NOK 253 million.

For clipfish from cod, the export volume increased by 6 per cent to 3,284 tonnes, while the export value increased by 35 per cent to NOK 532 million.

Portugal had the highest value growth in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 219 million, or 94 per cent, compared with September last year. The export volume to Portugal ended at 2,814 tonnes, which is 50 per cent higher than in September last year.

Historically high share to Portugal

In September, Portugal was again by far our largest market for cod clipfish.

So far this year, as much as 80 per cent of cod clipfish exports have gone to Portugal. This is the highest share ever.

“Consumption of clipfish in Portugal is still very high, but less access to cod and higher prices have led to a significant decline in sales of clipfish in grocery stores. At the same time, Portugal has seen a smaller decline in cod consumption than most other markets, so clipfish remains strong," says Gudfinna Traustadottir, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to Portugal.

Brazil: Cod is losing ground

Brazil is our second largest market for clipfish in September, and the only major market where Norway exports clipfish of several species in significant volumes.

"With low quotas and little cod available, the trend continues with a shift towards increased exports of other species to Brazil. While exports of cod clipfish to Brazil more than halved in September, the total export volume for all species to Brazil is unchanged from last year," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Challenging times for the clipfish industry

Tusk clipfish stands out with a growth of 215 per cent, to 595 tonnes in September. Saithe clipfish fell by 1 per cent to 1,245 tonnes.

“Lower landings and sanctions against Russian whitefish have lifted prices for Norwegian whitefish this year. The clipfish industry is also characterised by this, with higher prices at all stages of the value chain. This creates challenges for the Norwegian seafood industry when purchasing raw materials, as well as for importers and consumers in the markets," emphasises Brækkan.

With the prospect of further reductions in the quotas for both cod and saithe next year, the battle for access to raw materials and clipfish is likely to become increasingly tough in the future, both in Norway and in the markets.

Exports of clipfish in the third quarter

Norway exported 17,310 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 1.7 billion in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 187 million, or 13 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Volume fell by 17 per cent
Portugal, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were the largest markets for clipfish in the third quarter

Salted fish: Largest value growth to Portugal

Norway exported 1,600 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 186 million in September
The value increased by NOK 39 million, or 27 per cent, compared with September last year
Volume fell by 4 per cent
Portugal, Italy and Greece were the largest markets for salted fish in September

Portugal had the highest value growth in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 44 million, or 47 per cent, compared with September last year.

The export volume to Portugal ended at 1,044 tonnes, which is 19 per cent higher than September last year.

“Portugal's strong tradition of consuming cod clipfish is also reflected in saltfish exports in September. So far this year, as much as 91 per cent of all salted cod fish has gone to Portugal. This is the highest proportion ever," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Tougher battle for raw materials

The Norwegian salted fish goes to the Portuguese industry for further processing, both into traditional dried clipfish and frozen diluted clipfish in packaging.

“As in Norway, the industry in Portugal is also facing challenges with lower global catches of cod and an increasingly tough battle for the raw material. However, this market has seen the strongest growth in demand for salted fish over time," says Brækkan.

Exports of salted fish in the third quarter

Norway exported 3,470 tonnes of salted fish with a value of NOK 382 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 95 million, or 33 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 1 per cent
Portugal, Italy and Greece were the largest markets for salted fish in the third quarter

Challenging September for stockfish

Norway exported 143 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 38 million in September
The value fell by NOK 31 million, or 45 per cent, compared with September last year
Volume fell by 56 per cent
Italy, Nigeria and the UK were the largest markets for stockfish in September

Nigeria had the highest value growth in September, with an increase in export value of NOK 2 million, or 56 per cent, compared with September last year.

The export volume to Nigeria ended at 48 tonnes, which is unchanged from September last year. Tusk stockfish and saithe stockfish accounted for most of the volume of stockfish to Nigeria in September.

Affected by quota decline and price growth

Cod stockfish saw a 51 per cent decline in export volume, to just 93 tonnes in September. The decline in export value was 45 per cent, to NOK 31 million.

“As with all other processed products made from wild cod, stockfish is also affected by quota reductions and price increases at all stages of the value chain. Very high price growth for fresh cod this year has contributed to lower stockfish production than previously. Developments in the fourth quarter, which is traditionally the quarter with the highest exports of stockfish, will be very exciting to follow," says seafood analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Stockfish exports in the third quarter

Norway exported 323 tonnes of stockfish with a value of NOK 76 million in the third quarter
The value fell by NOK 66 million, or 47 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Volume fell by 55 per cent
Italy, Nigeria and the USA were the largest markets for stockfish in the third quarter

Good growth for herring

Norway exported 13,800 tonnes of herring worth NOK 301 million in September
The value increased by NOK 82 million, or 38 per cent, compared with September last year
This is a growth in volume of 34 per cent
Poland, Germany and the Netherlands were the largest markets for herring in September

The volume growth must be seen in light of the fact that the export volume in September last year was the lowest since 1991.

- The volume growth is therefore not due to more herring being fished, but to an increase in the proportion that goes for consumption and thus for export," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Nigeria buys larger volumes of whole frozen herring

Germany and Poland dominate exports of herring fillets, while Egypt and Nigeria dominate exports of whole frozen herring.

Prices for whole frozen herring, both North Sea herring and Norwegian spring-spawning herring, are on a downward trend. This has allowed larger volumes to go to Nigeria, which is a price-sensitive market.

On 30 September, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) published its quota advice for Norwegian spring-spawning herring. It is 534,000 tonnes, which is an increase of 33 per cent. This is the second year in a row that the ICES quota advice has increased.

Exports of herring in the third quarter

Norway exported 37,551 tonnes of herring worth NOK 783 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 45 million, or 6 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 7 per cent
Poland, Germany and the Netherlands were the largest markets for herring in the third quarter

Strong value growth for mackerel

Norway exported 52,100 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 2.2 billion in September
The value increased by NOK 534 million, or 32 per cent, compared with September last year
Volume fell by 18 per cent
Japan, Vietnam and China were the largest markets for mackerel in September

By the end of the month, the Norwegian fleet had caught almost 90 per cent of this year's quota of 152,000 tonnes.

"It's unusual for such a high proportion of the quota to be taken so early. This is due to a combination of an early start to the fishery and very good fishing in the Norwegian Sea in September," says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Price record for mackerel under 600 grams

Quota reductions and a weak supply of mackerel in many markets have sent prices upwards.

“A solid price record has been set for whole frozen mackerel under 600 grams at NOK 42.01 per kg, compared with NOK 36.64 per kg the previous month. Prices will continue to rise, as prices to fishermen are reported to be considerably higher than the export price in September," explains Johnsen.

Historically low quota advice from ICES

“The sharp rise in prices has a gloomy backdrop, as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommends that the total quota for mackerel be cut by as much as 70 per cent, to 174,000 tonnes, for next year. This is a historically low quota recommendation because the mackerel stock is below a critical level," says Jan Eirik Johnsen.

Exports of mackerel in the third quarter

Norway exported 70,112 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 2.9 billion in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 520 million, or 22 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Volume fell by 22 per cent
Japan, Vietnam and China were the largest markets for mackerel in the third quarter

Strong growth for king crab

Norway exported 246 tonnes of king crab with a value of NOK 169 million in September
The value increased by NOK 63 million, or 59 per cent, compared with September last year
This is a growth in volume of 27 per cent
The USA, Mexico and Tunisia were the largest markets for king crab in September

September was a very strong month for exports of frozen red king crab.

“The growth is driven by both higher volumes and increased export prices," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

In total, 202 tonnes of king crab were exported with a value of NOK 145 million. This is a volume growth of 81 per cent compared with the same month last year. The average export price was NOK 719 per kg, an increase of 26 per cent.

USA is our largest market for frozen king crab

The USA is still by far the most important market for frozen king crab.

In September, 121 tonnes went to the USA, with a value of NOK 107 million. This is an increase in value of NOK 57 million compared with the same month last year.

“The season in Alaska is expected to start in October, but the quotas have not yet been announced. This means that Norway is currently the only supplier of red king crab, as Russian king crab is still excluded from the market," explains Josefine Voraa.

King crab exports in the third quarter

Norway exported 620 tonnes of king crab with a value of NOK 400 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 113 million, or 39 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
This is a growth in volume of 7 per cent
The USA, Canada and Vietnam were the largest markets for king crab in the third quarter

Low exports of snow crab

Norway exported 44 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 7 million in September
The value increased by NOK 7 million, or 727 per cent, compared with September last year
This is a growth in volume of 477 per cent
The USA, Hong Kong SAR and France were the largest markets for snow crab in September

From 1 July to 30 November, fishing for snow crab in Norway is suspended, which means that there will be no new catches until December.

Hong Kong SAR stood out with the highest value growth in the month. Exports to Hong Kong SAR totalled NOK 3 million, compared with nothing the previous year. The volume ended at 18 tonnes.

Snow crab exports in the third quarter

Norway exported 943 tonnes of snow crab with a value of NOK 172 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 163 million compared with the third quarter last year
The USA, Japan and the Netherlands were the largest markets for snow crab in the third quarter

Prawns: China is our largest market

Norway exported 3,400 tonnes of prawn with a value of NOK 220 million in September
The value increased by NOK 51 million, or 30 per cent, compared with September last year
Volume fell by 15 per cent
China, the UK and Sweden were the largest markets for prawns in September

In September, Norway exported 1,665 tonnes of prawn to China, with a value of NOK 95 million. This is an increase of 705 per cent in volume and 1,050 per cent in value compared with the same month last year.

“China has strengthened its position as the largest market for Norwegian prawns. In September, the country accounted for as much as 49 per cent of all Norwegian prawn exports, measured in value," says Josefine Voraa, Head of Shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

So far this year, Norway has exported 7,482 tonnes of prawn to China, worth NOK 399 million. This is an increase of 484 per cent in volume and 560 per cent in value.

Growth driven by high demand

“The strong growth is driven by high demand for frozen cooked shell prawns and frozen raw prawns for the sashimi segment. In addition, distribution channels have improved. Sales are now increasing both in traditional grocery stores and in corresponding online sales channels. Access to products is the biggest limitation to further growth," says Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China.

Exports of frozen raw prawns have fallen by a total of 56 per cent in volume.

“The decline is mainly due to lower deliveries to the industry in Iceland and Canada, while China alone helped to lift the value. The price differences are admittedly large. While industrial prawns to Iceland had an average price of NOK 23 per kg in September, the price for frozen raw prawns to China was NOK 61 per kg," explains Josefine Voraa.

Prawn exports in the third quarter

Norway exported 9,926 tonnes of prawn worth NOK 557 million in the third quarter
The value increased by NOK 87 million, or 19 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
Volume fell by 13 per cent
China, Iceland and Sweden were the largest markets for prawn in the third quarter