July 16, 2018

By end of this year, Norway could be tripling salmon trade to China

Following China repealing restrictions on Norway salmon exports, salmon trade between the two countries is likely to triple by end of this year according to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC).

Based on the NSC's statistics, in the first six months of 2018, Norwegian salmon exports to China were recorded at more than 7,000 tonnes.

Now, without restrictions, China is able to take in as much as 21,000 tonnes, valuing a total of US$175 million in annual earnings.

As more Norwegian regions (e.g. Sor-Trondelag, Nordland and Troms) are being approved to export fresh salmon, demands are expected to increase. The NSC predicts that consumption figures could reach as high as 100,000 tonnes by end of 2018 and 156,000 tonnes by 2025.

Sigmund Bjorgo, Director of NSC mainland China and Hong Kong said:

"The improved market access since November 2017 led to a tremendous Norwegian salmon export growth. We appreciate the continuous efforts of the Chinese and Norwegian authorities in normalising the market access and trade relations for the seafood sector."

During the first half of this year, the total Norwegian seafood export value, including mackerel, cod, capelin and redfish increased by 22%.

The NSC also launched a long-term plan - Target 2025 - in May 2017 with the aim to export US$1.51 billion worth of Norwegian seafood to China by 2025.