Norway’s seafood exports hit another record in terms of value in July, largely thanks to a huge boost in demand from China.
Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.9 billion (USD 1.36 billion, EUR 1.17 billion) in the month of July, marking an increase of NOK 1.1 billion (USD 107.9 million, EUR 92.5 million), or 8 percent, over the same month last year, according to statistics shared by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC). That number puts Norway at NOK 99 billion (USD 9.7 billion, EUR 8.3 billion) in export value so far in 2025 – close to the value of the entirety of 2018.
"Seafood exports have had a historically strong July in terms of value. This is primarily due to high salmon volumes and impressive value growth to China," NSC CEO Christian Chramer said. "Despite the fact that world trade is experiencing demanding times and competition in the market is tough, seafood from Norway has a strong global position.”
China’s export value increased by a massive 88 percent in July 2025, increasing by NOK 613 million (USD 60.1 million, EUR 51.6 million) to reach NOK 1.3 billion (USD 127 million, EUR 109 million) in the month. That big increase made China the second-most valuable destination for Norwegian seafood in the month.
“Salmon is the main driver of export value to China. A combination of record-high available volumes, lower prices, and new emerging sales channels in the Chinese market contributed to the positive trend continuing in July,” Chramer said.
Norway’s export value of salmon sent to China increased by NOK 339 million (USD 33.2 million, EUR 28.5 million), or 80 percent, compared to July 2024. Volumes, meanwhile, increased by 121 percent to 9,950 metric tons (MT), largely due to the lower prices.
“The Chinese salmon market is experiencing strong growth. In the first half of the year, the salmon category increased by 39 percent, while growth in the second quarter was over 50 percent,” NSC Envoy to China Sigmund Bjørgo said. “Through good preference and competitive prices, Norway has increased its market share to 71 percent in June.”
Overall, Norway’s salmon market increased in volume by 28 percent in July 2025 to 136,054 MT. Value increased at a lower rate, reaching NOK 10.2 billion (USD 1 billion, EUR 858 million) – a NOK 800 million (USD 78.5 million, EUR 67.3 million), or 8 percent, increase over the same month of 2024.
“There is a seasonal variation in salmon exports, so a July volume of 136,000 MT is remarkably high. It almost equals the record volume we had in September and October last year,” NSC Seafood Analyst Paul T. Aandahl said. “The reason for this is favorable biological conditions that have resulted in increased production compared with July 2024.”
The top market for Norwegian salmon was Poland, which purchased NOK 1.7 billion (USD 166.8 million, EUR 143.1 million) worth of the product in July 2025 – an increase of 23 percent.
“Most of the salmon to Poland is processed for export. Strong growth in consumption of fresh salmon fillets in Europe is contributing to increased processing in Poland," Aandahl said.
Export value to the U.S. increased by just 3 percent in July 2025, while volume increased by 16 percent.
“Although increased tariffs may have had a negative effect, the fall in prices must mainly be seen in light of the large volume growth from Norway and globally so far this year," Aandahl said.
The volume surge of salmon from Norway to the U.S. had a law firm representing the salmon industry keeping a close eye on whether its exports could be considered “dumping,” which would potentially lead to federal trade action and additional duties on Norwegian salmon.
Outside salmon, trout stood as Norway’s second-most valuable seafood export for the month of July. According to the NSC, Norway exported 9,409 MT of trout worth NOK 697 million (USD 68.3 million, EUR 58.6 million) in the month, marking a growth in volume of 20 percent and a growth in value of 11 percent. Lithuania was one of the largest markets for Norwegian trout, and the country saw a 45 percent increase in export value in the month.
“Like salmon, trout has enjoyed favorable production conditions this year. This has led to strong volume growth,” Aandahl said. "In terms of product weight, exports have increased by 30 percent so far this year, while growth in value has been 18 percent."
July also saw export values for fresh cod increase year over year, representing a change from multiple consecutive months of lower values. Values of fresh cod exports reached NOK 144 million (USD 14.1 million, EUR 12.1 million), an increase of 6 percent. However, volumes fell by 12 percent as both wild catch and farmed cod harvests decreased.
Frozen cod exports also increased, reaching NOK 194 million (USD 19 million, EUR 16.3 million), a 33 percent increase over July 2024. Volumes increased by 17 percent, reaching 2,575 MT.
“Since landings of frozen cod continued to fall in July, stock adjustments are probably the main reason for the growth," NSC Seafood Analyst Eivind Hestvik Brækkan said.
Exports of herring and mackerel experienced drops in volume and value in the month, as fishing in July has been weaker in July 2025 than it was in July 2024.
Herring exports dropped 11 percent by volume to 9,521 MT and 13 percent by value to NOK 184 million (USD 18 million, EUR 15.4 million) in the month. Mackerel exports dropped 34 percent by volume to 5,956 MT and 15 percent by value to NOK 185 million (USD 18.1 million EUR 15.5 million).
Norway’s shellfish industry also continued to grow in July after a strong H1 2025.
Exports of king crab increased 11 percent by volume to 188 MT and 46 percent by value to NOK 118 million (USD 11.5 million, EUR 9.9 million). Snow crab exports increased in terms of value as well by NOK 110 million (USD 10.8 million, EUR 9.2 million) to NOK 112 million (USD 10.9 million, EUR 9.4 million) – largely thanks to new quota regulations which allowed for more significant volumes to be landed in Q2 2025.
Prawn also saw increased values in July, reaching NOK 183 million (USD 17.9 million, EUR 15.4 million) – up 24 percent, or NOK 35 million (USD 3.4 million, EUR 2.9 million), compared to July 2024. However, volumes dropped by 12 percent to 3,482 MT.
