Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.4 billion (€1.24 billion) in May, a decline of 1%, compared with the same month last year, reflecting continued pressure from geopolitical uncertainty, trade barriers and reduced raw material availability.
The latest figures mark the fourth month of declining seafood export values in 2026, with March remaining the only month this year to record growth compared with the same period in 2025.
“A turbulent geopolitical backdrop, trade barriers and reduced availability of raw materials continue to affect seafood exports,” said Christian Chramer, chief executive of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“So far, 2026 has been far more challenging than last year for Norwegian seafood. Despite higher prices for salmon, cod and mackerel in May, this was also a month without growth in value.”
Chramer said lower export volumes of cod, mackerel and salmon fillets weighed on overall performance. A stronger Norwegian krone against both the US dollar and euro also reduced export values when measured in Norwegian currency.
“Lower volumes of cod, mackerel and salmon fillets dragged down the export value in May,” he said. “In addition, the Norwegian krone was significantly stronger against the dollar and the euro last month than at the same time last year.”
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East also continued to disrupt seafood trade flows. According to the council, Norwegian salmon exports to major Middle Eastern markets fell by more than 20% in volume during May.
“There are still many challenges relating to logistics and reduced tourism in this region,” Chramer noted.
For the year to date, Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 70.3 billion (€6.49 billion), down 2%, from the same period last year. The US recorded the sharpest decline, with export values down NOK 2.4 billion (€220 million).
Meanwhile, Poland and China remained the strongest growth markets, driven by demand for salmon, prawns and seafood products destined for raw consumption.
