Norway’s seafood exports reached NOK 18.2 billion in October 2026, remaining virtually unchanged from the same month last year, as record-high salmon exports offset declining shipments of several wild-caught species. The export value fell marginally by NOK 48 million year-on-year, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.
The stronger Norwegian krone against the US dollar and euro weighed on export values, despite higher prices for several seafood categories, including cod, mackerel, trout, saithe, herring and prawns.
“Norwegian seafood exports developed in different directions in October. While the export value of salmon reached an all-time high, both export volumes and values declined for wild-caught species such as cod, mackerel and haddock,” said Christian Chramer, CEO, Norwegian Seafood Council.
Salmon remained the leading export category, with shipments of 159,810 tonnes valued at NOK 13 billion. Export value increased by 6 per cent, while volumes grew by 9 per cent compared with October last year. The value represented a monthly record, surpassing the previous high recorded in September 2026.
Poland, the Netherlands and France were the largest salmon markets. Poland also recorded a 12 per cent increase in salmon export value, supported by growing domestic consumption and re-exports.
In contrast, mackerel exports declined sharply, with volumes falling 50 per cent to 13,787 tonnes and export value dropping 45 per cent to NOK 758 million. Lower quotas and reduced availability contributed to the decline, although average export prices remained 10 per cent higher year-on-year.
Norway's total seafood exports during the first ten months of 2026 reached NOK 151.3 billion, an increase of NOK 2.2 billion, or 1 per cent, compared with the corresponding period last year.
Farmed fish accounted for 76 per cent of October's total export value, up from 72 per cent a year earlier. The Norwegian Seafood Council also highlighted continued pressure on seafood processors as lower quotas restrict raw material availability, despite higher market prices.
