Norway exported 2.8 million tonnes of seafood worth NOK 181.5 billion (€16.5bn) in 2025, setting a new value record despite lower quotas for wild fish and falling salmon prices.

The record was driven by sharp price rises for key wild species and a substantial increase in salmon volumes, according to figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The export value rose by NOK 6.4 billion (€580m), or 4%, from 2024. Norway sells seafood to more than 150 countries. The industry delivered the equivalent of 38 million meals every day throughout the year.

“This was a demanding year, with lower quotas and catches, but record prices for our most important wild species,” said Christian Chramer, chief executive of the Norwegian Seafood Council. Substantial salmon volumes offset weaker prices, lifting total value to a new high.

Price growth and salmon volumes lift exports

Farmed salmon dominated exports. Salmon exports reached NOK 124.7 billion (€11.3bn), up 2% in value on higher volumes, despite lower prices. Total salmon volume rose by 13%, driven by favourable production conditions and larger average fish sizes.

Wild fisheries told a different story. Export volumes fell sharply as quotas were cut, but higher prices boosted values. Total wild-catch exports were valued at NOK 48.1 billion (€4.4bn), a 7% increase in value despite a 12.5% decline in volume.

Substantial price gains were seen in cod, mackerel and herring. Mackerel prices surged to record levels after quota cuts. In contrast, cod prices rose across most product forms, easing the impact of lower landings.

U.S. tariffs and China’s growth are reshaping markets

Poland remained Norway’s largest seafood market, followed by the United States and China. China recorded the strongest growth. Exports to China rose by NOK 2.9 billion (€260m), or 31%, to NOK 12.3 billion (€1.1bn), making it Norway’s third-largest market.

The US took 9% of total exports, the highest share since 1989. However, new US tariffs of 15% or more on Norwegian seafood created uncertainty in the second half of the year. A weaker dollar and higher duties slowed growth after a strong start to 2025.

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss stated that the record indicated the sector’s strong global position, despite growing trade tensions and market volatility.

Pressure builds on land-based processors.

Behind the record figures, parts of the industry faced strain. High prices and low volumes of wild fish hit land-based processors hard. Many plants competed for limited raw materials at rising prices, squeezing margins and jobs along the coast, the Seafood Council said.

Over the past decade, Norway’s seafood export value has increased by more than NOK 100 billion (€9.1 billion). Growth has slowed in the past two years, with export gains now close to general inflation.

‘Still, 2025 ended as a record-breaking year. The figures underscore that price strength, rather than volume growth, is now driving Norway’s seafood exports.