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

China moved up three places from sixth in 2024 to enter the top three global markets for Norwegian seafood for the first time, becoming a key growth engine for the seafood trade of the Nordic country, the Norwegian Seafood Council said in a press release provided to the Global Times on Thursday, as the council released its seafood export results for the just-concluded 2025.

The country's total seafood exports reached 2.8 million tonnes for the year, with export value hitting a record high of NOK181.5 billion ($18 billion), an increase of NOK6.4 billion, or 4 percent, compared with 2024. This corresponds to 38 million meals every single day - all year round, according to the council.

Notably, in 2025, Norway exported 178,246 tonnes of seafood to China, equivalent to around 2.44 million seafood meals. Export value reached a record high of NOK12.3 billion, according to the council, noting that driven by this performance, China moved up three places from sixth in 2024 to enter the top three global markets for Norwegian seafood for the first time. 

China was also the largest growth markets for Norwegian seafood in 2025, with export value increasing by NOK2.9 billion year-on-year, representing a growth of 30.9 percent. Demand among Chinese consumers for high-quality Norwegian seafood continues to grow steadily.

Last year, a range of Norwegian seafood products recorded strong export performance to China. Norwegian salmon stood out in particular, with export volume to China reaching 90,906 tonnes, up 99 percent year-on-year, while export value reached NOK8.109 billion, an increase of 59 percent, according to the seafood council.

The growth is due to a combination of a sharp increase in Chinese salmon consumption and Norway gaining market share, said the council. As of November 2025, total imports of Atlantic salmon into China increased by 48 percent year-on-year. During this period, Norway's market share rose significantly, from 41 percent in the previous year to 57 percent. 

"This growth is fueled by high popularity, competitive prices and a large supply of salmon that China demands. In addition, new sales channels and improved distribution in smaller Chinese cities have also made a positive contribution," said Sigmund Bjørgo, China Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Also in 2025, China stood out as the largest and fastest-growing market for Norwegian coldwater prawn. The export volume to China ended at 8,392 tonnes, 244 percent higher than the previous year, while export value reached NOK450 million, up 345 percent. 

"Looking back on the past year, we are pleased to see Norwegian seafood continuing to earn the trust of the Chinese market, achieving another record-high overall performance," said Bjørgo, noting that China has always been one of the most important export markets for Norwegian seafood. 

"We will continue to increase our investment in the Chinese market and work closely with industry partners to bring a wider range of high-quality Norwegian seafood products to Chinese consumers," said Bjørgo.