China has officially opened its market to live Norwegian brown crab, following an agreement between Chinese and Norwegian authorities. The deal marks a significant breakthrough for Norway’s seafood exporters, as China is the world’s largest market for crab.
The announcement follows Fisheries and Ocean Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss’ visit to China in November 2024, during which she met with senior Chinese import and customs officials.
“It’s very positive that Chinese consumers can now buy Norwegian brown crab,” said Næss. “This shows how vital political dialogue is for promoting Norwegian interests in such a large market.”
Strong Demand for Live Seafood in China
China imported 134,000 tonnes of crab in 2024, of which 80% was live or fresh brown crab. Until now, France has been Norway’s leading destination for brown crab exports, but industry observers expect China to become a key market quickly.
Næss noted that the timing is ideal: “The demand for live seafood in China is huge. With this access, Norwegian exporters have a golden opportunity to expand.”
Government Support Strengthens Market Access
To help secure new seafood markets, Norway’s government granted the Norwegian Food Safety Authority an extra NOK 5 million in 2024, followed by an additional NOK 3 million later that year.
These funds have strengthened the agency’s ability to prioritise market access for new seafood species, including the brown crab.
The move aligns with Norway’s broader strategy to diversify seafood exports and boost value creation in coastal communities.