Norwegian salmon sold at a supermarket in China. Photo: Courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council

Norwegian seafood exports to China have seen a further increase, with a staggering 88 percent year-on-year growth in July, making China the second-largest market for Norwegian seafood exports globally in the month, the Global Times learned from the Norwegian Seafood Council on Thursday.

China is not only a key market for Norwegian salmon but has also become a growth engine for Norway's global seafood exports, said the council.

Efforts are still underway to further boost exports. The Norwegian Seafood Council, together with eight major Norwegian seafood companies, is participating in the 19th Shanghai International Fisheries and Seafood Exhibition from Wednesday to Friday.

The event provides the opportunity for foreign exporters, including those from the Nordic country, to showcase their seafood products to the vast Chinese market and foster deeper exchange and cooperation between Chinese and foreign businesses. 

Notably, China's salmon market is showing huge potential, said the Norwegian Seafood Council, noting that from January to July 2025, Norway exported 52,069 tons of salmon to China, up 122 percent year-on-year, with an export value of NOK4.673 billion ($460 million), an increase of 64 percent.

By the first quarter of this year, China has risen to the world's sixth-largest market for Atlantic salmon, achieving the fastest growth among the top ten markets. Today, China is the largest consumer market for Atlantic salmon in Asia, nearly twice the size of Japan, which ranks second, according to the council.

The expansion of e-commerce, modern retail, coupled with the continuous rise of the middle class, is also accelerating demand for salmon, it said.

"The Chinese salmon market is demonstrating remarkable growth and resilience. With evolving consumer habits and the diversification of market channels, we are confident in the market's prospects," said Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, noting that the Norwegian Seafood Council and Norwegian companies will continue to invest, deepen cooperation, and bring more high-quality salmon and seafood to Chinese dining tables.

China is not only a key market for Norwegian salmon but has also become a growth engine for Norway's global seafood exports. In July 2025, Norwegian seafood exports to China increased by NOK613 million, an 88 percent year-on-year growth, making China the second-largest market for Norwegian seafood exports globally that month, according to the council.

Global Times