Norway has exported seafood worth NOK 13.4 billion (€1.23 billion) in April, down 5% compared with the same month last year, with a stronger Norwegian krone cited as the main reason behind the decline.
According to the Norwegian Seafood Council, the krone strengthened by 7% against the euro and 12% against the US dollar compared with April 2025, significantly affecting export values when measured in Norwegian currency.
“There are several factors affecting the decline in exports in April, such as the tariff dispute with the US and the war in the Middle East,” said Christian Chramer, chief executive of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“The main explanation for the fall, however, is a sharp strengthening of the Norwegian krone against both the euro and the dollar.”
The conflict in the Middle East also disrupted salmon and trout trade flows by increasing freight costs and reducing shipping capacity. Exports to several key markets recorded sharp declines, including Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
“Exports fell to all markets in the Middle East in April, as well as to a number of Asian markets,” Chramer said.
Seafood exports to the US continued to weaken amid tariff uncertainty and the weaker dollar. Export value to the US fell 30% to NOK 973 million (€89.65 million) in April, while year-to-date exports are down NOK 2 billion (€180 million).
Despite the broader downturn, China delivered the strongest growth among Norway’s major seafood markets. Export value to China increased by 36 per cent year-on-year to NOK 324 million (€30.13 million), supported by a 24% rise in volumes.
Salmon exports totalled 104,894 tonnes worth NOK 9.3 billion (€860 million) in April, with volumes increasing slightly despite a 4% decline in value.
