Norway exported seafood worth NOK 17.8 billion in September. This represents a decline of NOK 27 million compared with the same month last year.

“Norway has never exported a higher volume of salmon in a single month than it did in September. At the same time, prices have risen in both euros and US dollars. The fact that the value of the Norwegian seafood exports nevertheless remained unchanged is due to a combination of a stronger Norwegian krone and lower export volumes of trout and several wild-caught species,” says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

A stronger Norwegian krone affected export value

As in recent months, the stronger Norwegian krone weighed on the value of Norway’s seafood exports in September.

“Measured against the US dollar and the euro, the Norwegian krone was stronger in September than in the same month last year. This reduced the export value measured in Norwegian kroner, leaving it at the same level as a year earlier,” says Chramer.

So far this year, Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 133.2 billion. This is an increase of NOK 2.3 billion, or 2 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

Strong salmon supply in Norway

In September, Norway’s exports of farmed fish totalled NOK 13.7 billion. This accounted for 77 per cent of the total value of Norwegian seafood exports that month.

“Global demand for Norwegian salmon is growing. This is partly due to the competitive landscape. While salmon production has declined in other major producing countries, Norway has maintained a strong supply,” explains Chramer.

For wild-caught species, export prices for cod, mackerel, saithe, prawns, and herring increased in September, while export volumes were lower for mackerel, prawns, saithe and herring.

Challenging times for the Norwegian seafood industry

Export value to the US, which was Norway’s third-largest market in September, fell by 4 per cent to a total of NOK 1.2 billion compared with the same month last year.

“The US is our largest market for salmon fillets, but September marked the eleventh consecutive month of declining export volumes of fresh salmon fillets to the US. The Norwegian seafood industry competes with countries that are subject to lower US tariff rates than Norway is. As a result, many Norwegian seafood companies are facing challenging times,” says Christian Chramer.

September exports of trout, mackerel and king crab to the US also declined, with both volume and value down from the same month last year.

Norway’s 10 largest markets

Here are the 10 largest export markets in September (change from September last year in brackets):

  1. Poland: NOK 2.4 billion (+21%)
  2. China: NOK 1.4 billion (+4%)
  3. USA: NOK 1.2 billion (-4%)
  4. The Netherlands: NOK 1.2 billion (+14%)
  5. Denmark: NOK 938 million (-3%)
  6. France: NOK 936 million (+1%)
  7. Spain: NOK 864 million (+19%)
  8. United Kingdom: NOK 749 million (+9%)
  9. Portugal: NOK 700 million (+8%)
  10. Japan: NOK 661 million (-19%)

China: Highest market share for Norwegian salmon in 15 years

Salmon exports to China continue to grow and exceeded NOK 1 billion in September. In 2026, China became the world’s second-largest salmon market after the US.

“For salmon, only Poland recorded stronger growth than China in September. This was due to the strong availability of large salmon, which are particularly attractive in the Chinese market. In addition, underlying growth in demand for fresh whole salmon supported prices and lifted Norway’s market share in China to its highest level in more than 15 years,” says Christian Chramer.

Quarterly development in 2026 measured in value

  • First quarter: NOK 43.5 billion (-2%)
  • Second quarter: NOK 40.9 billion (0%)
  • Third quarter: NOK 48.8 billion (+7%)

Salmon: Record-high export value

  • Norway exported 165,393 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 13 billion in September
  • The value increased by NOK 1.7 billion, or 15 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume increased by 22 per cent
  • Poland, the Netherlands and China were the largest markets for salmon in September

This was a record-high export value for salmon in a single month, NOK 659 million higher than the previous record month, which was October 2025.

Poland recorded the greatest growth in value in September, with export value increasing by NOK 382 million, or 21 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Export volume to Poland totalled 32,296 tonnes, 30 per cent higher than in the same month last year.

“September’s record-high volume reflects favourable biological conditions throughout 2026, resulting in high survival rates, rapid growth, and a strong supply of large salmon. These fish are now being harvested during the seasonally strong autumn period,” says Paul T. Aandahl, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

China: Stronger growth than expected

Salmon exports to China increased by 43 per cent in volume, reaching 11,420 tonnes in September. Export value rose by NOK 275 million, or 38 per cent, to NOK 1 billion.

“This is stronger growth than expected and the highest volume exported to China since March. We believe this contributed to category growth ahead of China’s Golden Week, while Norway also gained market share,” says Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to China.

In July, Norway’s market share was 76 per cent of all salmon imports to China, while it was 73 per cent in August. These are the highest levels in 15 years.

So far this year, Norway has exported 98,473 tonnes of salmon to China, an increase of 42 per cent. The value rose to NOK 8.5 billion, an increase of 39 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Spain: Norwegian salmon records the strongest growth in the protein category

Salmon exports to Spain increased by 31 per cent in volume to 10,078 tonnes in September, while value rose by NOK 141 million, or 21 per cent, to NOK 798 million.

“Spain is a particularly important market for Norwegian salmon. It has developed steadily and strongly over many years,” says Aandahl.

The positive trend continued in September, when monthly salmon exports to Spain exceeded 10,000 tonnes for the first time.

“Norwegian salmon is outperforming other fish in Spain and has achieved the strongest growth across all protein categories. Strong sales at fresh counters and in the wider salmon market drove September’s growth. Some volume may also be going into frozen storage because of ample Norwegian supply and expectations of higher prices,” says Tore Holvik, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to Spain.

Salmon exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 464,700 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 36.2 billion in the third quarter
  • The value increased by NOK 4.6 billion, or 14 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume increased by 12 per cent

Trout: Lower production affects exports

  • Norway exported 5,664 tonnes of trout worth NOK 554 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 122 million, or 18 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 32 per cent
  • The US, Poland and Thailand were the largest markets for trout in September

Poland recorded the greatest growth in value in September, with export value increasing by NOK 26 million, or 47 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Export volume to Poland totalled 987 tonnes, 36 per cent higher than in the same month last year.

The price of smoked trout fillets reached a record high of NOK 292 per kg. This was NOK 70 higher than the previous record month, which was March 2025.

“Lower supplies of Norwegian trout are the main reason for the decline in export volume. With production concentrated among few producers, changes in biomass, harvesting plans and the shift towards salmon production all affect export figures,” says Paul T. Aandahl, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Trout exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 20,400 tonnes of trout worth NOK 1.8 billion in the third quarter
  • The value fell by NOK 212 million, or 11 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 23 per cent

Fresh cod: Farmed cod accounted for 69 per cent of value

  • Norway exported 2,138 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 187 million in September
  • The value increased by NOK 46 million, or 32 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume increased by 8 per cent
  • The Netherlands, Denmark and Poland were the largest markets for fresh cod in September

While landings of fresh cod from fisheries increased slightly in September, exports continued to decline.

For fresh wild cod, export volume fell by 13 per cent to 635 tonnes, while export value increased by 8 per cent to NOK 58 million.

Farmed cod, however, continued to grow in volume. For fresh farmed cod, export volume increased by 21 per cent to 1,504 tonnes, while export value rose by 47 per cent to NOK 129 million.

Farmed cod accounted for 69 per cent of the export value of fresh cod in September.

Farmed cod accounted for 44 per cent of fresh cod export value so far this year, up from 34 per cent in the same period last year.

Fresh cod exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 6,200 tonnes of fresh cod worth NOK 542 million in the third quarter
  • The value increased by NOK 124 million, or 30 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume increased by 7 per cent

Frozen cod: Poland and Lithuania record the strongest growth in Europe

  • Norway exported 1,994 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 203 million in September
  • The value increased by NOK 20 million, or 11 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 9 per cent
  • China, the United Kingdom and Vietnam were the largest markets for frozen cod in September

Declines in exports to China and Vietnam drove a 36 per cent drop in volumes to Asia last month, while volumes to European markets rose by 31 per cent.

“Poland and Lithuania recorded the strongest export-volume growth in Europe, while exports to the United Kingdom, Norway’s largest European market for frozen cod, declined slightly,” says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

So far this year, exports to both Europe and Asia have declined significantly.

“However, it is too early to determine whether September’s shift towards Europe signals a change in trade flows for frozen cod”, says Brækkan.

Frozen cod exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 6,500 tonnes of frozen cod worth NOK 678 million in the third quarter
  • The value increased by NOK 121 million, or 22 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 4 per cent

Clipfish: Higher value and lower volume

  • Norway exported 6,723 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 934 million in September
  • The value increased by NOK 68 million, or 8 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 21 per cent
  • Portugal, Brazil and Mexico were the largest markets for clipfish in September

For saithe clipfish, export volume fell by 36 per cent to 2,501 tonnes, while export value fell by 17 per cent to NOK 208 million.

For cod clipfish, export volume fell by 4 per cent to 3,002 tonnes, while export value increased by 18 per cent to NOK 598 million.

Jamaica was the market with the strongest growth for saithe clipfish in September, with export volume increasing by 43 per cent to a total of 538 tonnes.

“In most other countries, exports continue to decline because of reduced raw-material availability. So far this year, African markets have shown the strongest performance for saithe clipfish, with export volume falling by only 8 per cent,” says Eivind Hestvik Brækkan, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Brazil and the Caribbean: Lowest volume in 30 years

Exports to Brazil and the Caribbean, where Norway faces growing competition from Chinese-produced Alaska pollock, have fallen by 42 per cent so far this year to just 12,200 tonnes.

“This is the lowest export volume to these markets since 1996,” says Brækkan.

Brazil recorded the strongest growth for cod clipfish, with exports rising by 24 per cent in September and 15 per cent so far this year.

By contrast, exports of all other clipfish species to Brazil have fallen sharply this year. Across all species, export volume is down 26 per cent so far this year to 7,900 tonnes.

Portugal recorded the largest increase in export value in September, rising by NOK 64 million, or 15 per cent, from the same month last year.

Export volume to Portugal totalled 2,472 tonnes, 7 per cent lower than in the same month last year.

So far this year, the export volume of cod clipfish to Portugal has fallen by 15 per cent, to just under 9,800 tonnes.

Clipfish exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 15,000 tonnes of clipfish worth NOK 2 billion in the third quarter
  • The value increased by NOK 329 million, or 20 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 12 per cent

Portugal received 96 per cent of salted cod exports by value

  • Norway exported 1,023 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 132 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 50 million, or 27 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 34 per cent
  • Portugal, Italy and France were the largest markets for salted fish in September

Salted cod accounted for 87 per cent of salted fish exports in September by value and 75 per cent by volume.

Portugal remained the largest market for Norwegian salted cod, accounting for 96 per cent of export value in September.

Salted fish exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 2,300 tonnes of salted fish worth NOK 294 million in the third quarter
  • The value fell by NOK 80 million, or 21 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 28 per cent

Stockfish: Strongest value growth to Italy

  • Norway exported 181 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 69 million in September
  • The value increased by NOK 32 million, or 86 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume increased by 35 per cent
  • Italy, Nigeria and Canada were the largest markets for stockfish in September

Italy recorded the greatest growth in value in September, with export value increasing by NOK 17 million, or 65 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Export volume to Italy totalled 82 tonnes, 20 per cent higher than in the same month last year.

“As this year’s stockfish production enters the export market, prices are also rising. Cod stockfish reached a record-high export price of NOK 483 per kg in September, 5 per cent above the previous record set one month earlier,” says Brækkan.

Although stockfish volume in September was higher than last year, this is traditionally a low volume month.

“The largest months for stockfish exports are usually October and November. It will therefore be remarkably interesting to follow developments over the next two months,” says Brækkan.

Lower visibility in retail and restaurants

In recent years, Italy’s stockfish market has remained more resilient than other cod-product markets, despite lower quotas, reduced production and rising costs.

“At the same time, the market is gradually shrinking. In some traditional stockfish dishes, limited availability and higher prices are leading to the partial replacement of stockfish with other raw materials. Reduced visibility in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector and in retail is turning stockfish into a niche product, a trend we expect to intensify in the short term,” says Tom-Jørgen Gangsø, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to Italy.

“The challenge is to secure sufficient raw materials for Italian producers and to maintain the product’s visibility and relevance among consumers,” says Gangsø.

Stockfish exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 410 tonnes of stockfish worth NOK 129 million in the third quarter
  • The value increased by NOK 55 million, or 74 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume increased by 35 per cent

Herring: Growth to Sweden

  • Norway exported 7,923 tonnes of herring worth NOK 215 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 86 million, or 28 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 43 per cent
  • Poland, Sweden and Lithuania were the largest markets for herring in September

So far this year, Norway has exported 167,231 tonnes of herring worth NOK 3.26 billion. This represents a 22 per cent increase in volume and a 17 per cent increase in value compared with the same period last year.

“September was a strong month for herring exports to Sweden, with growth in both value and volume,” says market analyst Paul T. Aandahl at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Overall herring export volume to Sweden increased by 6 per cent to 663 tonnes, while value rose by 43 per cent to NOK 28 million.

“It is primarily processed herring products that are exported to Sweden,” explains Aandahl.

Herring exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 27,800 tonnes of herring worth NOK 681 million in the third quarter
  • The value fell by NOK 102 million, or 13 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 26 per cent

Mackerel: 25 per cent of the quota remains

  • Norway exported 17,286 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 925 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 1.3 billion, or 59 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 67 per cent
  • Japan, South Korea and Vietnam were the largest markets for mackerel in September

The mackerel quota for 2026 is the lowest in modern times. In addition to a substantial quota reduction, the fishing season started later than at the same time last year.

“At the beginning of October, 25 per cent of the quota available to the Norwegian fleet still remains”, says market analyst Paul T. Aandahl at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Japan was Norway’s largest export market in September, with a total volume of 6,521 tonnes, 45 per cent lower than in the same month last year.

An average price of nearly NOK 52 per kg brought the total export value to Japan to NOK 864 million, down 33 per cent from September last year.

New quota advice gives hope

“Low volumes, record-high prices and a weak yen are putting pressure on Japan’s local value chain. However, the market remains mixed: Some segments can absorb the higher prices, while others have withdrawn,” says Jan Eirik Johnsen, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to Japan.

“The newly published ICES quota advice for 2027 has eased industry concerns and raised hopes for improved conditions,” says Johnsen.

Mackerel exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 29,200 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 1.5 billion in the third quarter
  • The value fell by NOK 1.4 billion, or 49 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 59 per cent

King crab: Decline in volume and value

  • Norway exported 117 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 62 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 106 million, or 63 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 47 per cent
  • The US, Canada and Italy were the largest markets for king crab in September

Exports of frozen king crab continued to decline in September, with a total volume of 46 tonnes. This was 74 per cent lower than in the same month last year.

At the same time, exports of live king crab increased by 61 per cent in September, to 71 tonnes. The export value of live king crab increased by 32 per cent, equivalent to NOK 32 million.

The US remains Norway’s largest export market for both frozen and live king crab. In September, the volume of live king crab exported to the US increased by 68 per cent to 29 tonnes, at an average price of NOK 497 per kg.

“Autumn traditionally brings higher king crab consumption in the US. The red king crab fishery in Alaska is expected to open in October, increasing supply,” says Lars Olai Rorgemoen, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

King crab exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 423 tonnes of king crab worth NOK 206 million in the third quarter
  • The value fell by NOK 194 million, or 49 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 29 per cent

Snow crab: Fishery remains closed

  • Norway exported 24 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 4 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 3 million, or 43 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 46 per cent
  • Vietnam, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands were the largest markets for snow crab in September

September exports remained low because Norway’s snow crab fishery is closed from 1 July through 30 November, meaning no new catches will be available until December.

Snow crab exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 300 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 56 million in the third quarter
  • The value fell by NOK 116 million, or 67 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 68 per cent

Prawns: Lower volume and higher prices

  • Norway exported 2,288 tonnes of prawns worth NOK 192 million in September
  • The value fell by NOK 27 million, or 12 per cent, compared with the same month last year
  • Volume fell by 32 per cent
  • China, Denmark and Sweden were the largest markets for prawns in September, measured by volume

Frozen cooked prawns were Norway’s largest prawn product in September, totalling 1,107 tonnes. This was a decline of 27 per cent compared with the same month last year.

Despite this, export value increased by 2 per cent to NOK 79 million due to significant price growth.

China was Norway’s largest export market in September, with a total volume of 1,262 tonnes worth NOK 93 million.

“Of the total volume exported to China, frozen cooked prawns accounted for 70 per cent and frozen raw prawns for direct consumption for 30 per cent,” says Lars Olai Rorgemoen, market analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Decline to the United Kingdom and Sweden

Of total exports of frozen raw prawns in September, raw prawns for consumption accounted for 84 per cent of volume, or 514 tonnes.

China and Vietnam were the largest markets for raw prawns in September.

For frozen peeled prawns, volume fell by 45 per cent in September compared with September last year.

“Volumes to our two largest export markets, the United Kingdom and Sweden, fell considerably. However, both markets recorded rapid growth in August, which may partly explain September’s decline. Reduced raw-material availability is also pushing prices significantly higher than a year ago,” says Rorgemoen.

Prawn exports in the third quarter

  • Norway exported 7,600 tonnes of prawns worth NOK 580 million in the third quarter
  • The value increased by NOK 23 million, or 4 per cent, compared with the third quarter last year
  • Volume fell by 23 per cent