China and Norway have signed a new trade protocol that should widen Norway’s access to China’s seafood markets.
The Norwegian Seafood Council said the two countries signed a new seafood protocol on 29 October, opening up wild-caught species for export from Norway to China. It said that previously, certain wild-caught species in Norway could not be sent to China, but now the new protocol will open up those exports.
The agreement was signed in Beijing by Norway Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Siversten Næss and China’s General Administration of Customs Vice Minister Zhang Baofeng.
NSC said the new protocol is the result of several years of work between Norwegian and Chinese authorities.
“The Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the embassy in Beijing, the seafood industry, the Norwegian Seafood Council and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries have contributed,” NSC said.
It said many fishing operators have consistently made submissions for species that had not been approved by China, which includes a range of fish, shellfish, and other species like sea urchin, sea cucumber, European lobster, crayfish, mussels, and more. According to NSC, the new trade protocol applies to all fresh, filleted, and frozen wild-caught seafood products.
“More processed products, such as smoked, dried or canned seafood, do not require species approval and are not affected,” NSC said. “Live seafood has its own approval system in China and is not covered by the protocol.”
"China is one of Norway's most important seafood trading partners," Næss said in a statement. “The protocol will open up new opportunities for Norwegian wild-caught seafood in China and reflects our shared commitment to facilitating trade through close cooperation. We look forward to bringing an even wider range of Norwegian wild-caught seafood to Chinese consumers.”
The new deal comes as Norway’s seafood exports to China have been steadily rising. In September, China was the largest market for Norwegian seafood, with the country purchasing NOK 1.4 billion (USD 150.4 million, EUR 134.8 million) worth of seafood in September 2026 alone. Of that total, more than NOK 1 billion (USD 107.5 million, EUR 95.7 million) was farmed salmon, which was already approved for exports to the country.
China has been a consistently fast-growing market for Norwegian seafood exports, and NSC CEO Christian Chramer told SeafoodSource in January the country was planning to continue its focus on China and the Asian market amid the rapid growth.
Næss said the two countries have been working to enhance seafood trade between them, in both directions.
“Norway and China share a strong interest in developing our seafood trade through predictable procedures, high food safety standards and constructive cooperation,” she said. “Continued dialogue between our authorities and engagement with industry stakeholders are essential to strengthening mutual understanding and supporting the further development of our bilateral seafood trade.”
NSC China Director Sigmund Bjørgo also said the country was an important destination for Norwegian seafood, according to The Global Times.
“China is a highly important and dynamic market for Norwegian seafood, and we are confident in its long-term growth potential,” he said. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working closely with our Chinese partners to further strengthen our presence in the market, meet evolving consumer demand and bring a wider range of high-quality Norwegian seafood to Chinese consumers.”
