Norway exported seafood worth NOK 15.5 billion (€1.4 billion) in March, an increase of 3% compared with the same month last year, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.
So far in 2026, total seafood exports have reached NOK 43.8 billion (€3.95 billion), a slight decline of 1% compared with the same period last year.
“Norwegian seafood exports performed well in March, despite the war in the Middle East, a stronger Norwegian krone and a continued decline in exports to the US,” said Norwegian Export Council’s chief executive, Christian Chramer.
“This is largely due to increased salmon volumes, higher prices for several species such as salmon, cod, mackerel and saithe, as well as further growth in exports to China.”
The largest markets in March were Poland, China and the US. China recorded the strongest growth, with export value rising by NOK 552 million (€49.8 million), or 68%, to a total of NOK 1.4 billion (€130 million).
“The war in the Middle East has been particularly challenging for salmon exporters due to increased fuel costs and changes to air freight routes,” Chramer explained. “The fact that export value nevertheless increased in March demonstrates not only how adaptable the salmon industry is, but also that there is generally high demand for Norwegian salmon in the Asian market.”
Asia’s growing importance helped offset declining exports to the US, where shipments have fallen for three consecutive months, each by more than NOK 500 million (€45.1 million) year-on-year. The drop has been especially pronounced for salmon fillets.
“The main reason for the decline to the US is increased tariffs and a weaker dollar against the Norwegian krone,” Chramer said. “However, strong growth to China has largely offset the decline in value to the US overall.”
Regional export shares reflected this shift, with Europe accounting for 63%, Asia rising to 23% and the US falling to 9%.
A stronger Norwegian krone – up nearly 10% against the US dollar – also dampened export values. “The strengthening of the krone is dragging down the value of exports measured in Norwegian kroner,” Chramer added, noting that price increases and higher volumes continue to support overall performance.
