US tariffs and China’s rising demand changed Norway’s seafood trade in August. Exports declined 2% to EUR 14.3 billion, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council on September 3, 2025.

“The summer of 2025 has been marked by considerable turmoil in the markets,” said Christian Chramer, the council’s chief executive. He pointed to higher US duties, effective from August 7, and a stronger krone. Exports to the US decreased by 3% in value. Salmon, facing lower tariffs from rivals, was hit hardest.

Salmon struggles under US pressure.

Salmon, Norway’s biggest fish, had mixed results. Export value decreased by 1% to EUR 10.6 billion, but volume increased by 17% to 145,446 tonnes. Prices for fresh whole salmon were the lowest since September 2022. Sales to the US fell sharply, down 51% in value. Growth in China partly offset the decline, with Poland, the US and China the top markets.

Overall, exports are still rising in 2025

From January to August, exports totalled EUR 113.1 billion, up 5% from the same period the previous year. Cod, mackerel and saithe faced low quotas and weak catches. Mackerel stood out, with a value rise of 7% to EUR 460m, despite a 30% decline in volume, and small fish reached record prices.

Shellfish show sharp contrasts.

The shellfish trade showed different trends. King crab rose 16% in value to EUR 117m, even as volumes fell 10%. Snow crab soared, up 706% in value to EUR 53m and 446% in volume, thanks to a longer season.

Karine Rød Haraldsson, the council’s US representative, said tariffs were “distorting competition”. Canada pays no duty, while Scotland and the Faroe Islands face a 10% duty.

About Norway’s August seafood exports

  • Total exports: EUR 14.3bn (−2% year on year)
  • US tariff: 15% on Norwegian and EU seafood from August 7
  • US-bound exports: −3% by value in August
  • Salmon: 145,446 tonnes; EUR 10.6bn; value −1%; volume +17%
  • Fresh whole salmon to the US: value −51% year on year in August
  • Top markets (value): Poland, United States, China
  • Year to date (Jan–Aug 2025): EUR 113.1bn (+5%)
  • Mackerel: 12,093 tonnes; EUR 460m; value +7%; volume −30%; record price for <600g
  • King crab: 195 tonnes; EUR 117m; value +16%; volume −10%
  • Snow crab: 270 tonnes; EUR 53m; value +706%; volume +446%