Norway exported seafood valued at NOK 44.1 billion (€3.77 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 5% over the same period last year.
This record export value was largely driven by high volumes of salmon, trout, mackerel and prawns.
“Thanks to a historically high export value in September, we have put behind us the best third quarter ever,” said Christian Chramer, chief executive of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“This time there is virtually no currency effect from a weak Norwegian krone, since we are comparing with the same period last year.”
So far this year, seafood exports have reached NOK 124.7 billion (€10.66 billion), up 1% year-on-year. Chramer noted that while 2024 has seen quota reductions for herring, king crab, mackerel and cod to ensure sustainable fish stocks, aquaculture has compensated for these declines.
“Salmon is a product that is still very popular with consumers, but there is no doubt that 2024 has so far been a demanding year for many salmon producers,” he added, citing fierce competition, rising costs, and biological challenges like salmon lice due to warmer sea temperatures.
Despite challenges, the third quarter saw record export values for trout and prawns, with trout exceeding NOK 2 billion (€170 million) for the first time. “In addition, it has been a particularly good quarter for mackerel, with high prices and strong demand in Asian markets,” Chramer concluded.
