Salmon exports remained stable in volume at 111,062 tonnes, with export value edging up 1 per cent to NOK 9.6 billion Norway’s seafood exports remained under pressure in May 2026,…

Salmon exports remained stable in volume at 111,062 tonnes, with export value edging up 1 per cent to NOK 9.6 billion

Norway’s seafood exports remained under pressure in May 2026, with total exports declining 1 per cent year-on-year to NOK 13.4 billion amid geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and reduced raw material availability, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC).

The sector has now recorded four months of export value decline this year, with total seafood exports for January–May falling 2 per cent to NOK 70.3 billion. The US market witnessed the sharpest drop, with export values down NOK 2.4 billion during the period, largely driven by lower shipments of fresh and frozen salmon fillets.

“A turbulent geopolitical backdrop, trade barriers and reduced availability of raw materials continue to affect seafood exports,” said Christian Chramer, CEO, NSC.

While export challenges persisted in traditional markets, Poland and China emerged as strong growth destinations in May. Exports to Poland rose 29 per cent to NOK 1.7 billion, primarily due to strong demand for fresh whole salmon, while China registered a 37 per cent increase to NOK 1.2 billion, supported by rising consumption of salmon and prawns for raw applications.

Salmon exports remained stable in volume at 111,062 tonnes, with export value edging up 1 per cent to NOK 9.6 billion. The NSC highlighted robust domestic salmon consumption growth across Europe, especially in Germany, where salmon demand has increased significantly across frozen, smoked and fresh categories.

However, wild-catch species continued to face supply constraints due to quota reductions and historically low landing volumes. Cod exports were particularly affected, with fresh cod export volumes dropping 31 per cent and frozen cod volumes declining 37 per cent in May. Mackerel exports also hit their lowest May volume since 2013.

In contrast, prawn exports delivered a strong performance, rising 38 per cent in value to a record NOK 238 million, driven by surging Chinese demand for raw frozen prawns.