Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, is optimistic about the Chinese market. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
China continued to be Norway's largest seafood export market in Asia and the sixth-largest globally in 2024 with 182,000 tons of seafood exports, according to figures released by the Norwegian Seafood Council on Wednesday.
Norwegian seafood exports to China surged to 182,000 tons last year, a 14 percent year-on-year increase in volume. The export value also climbed 10 percent to 9.4 billion Norwegian Krone ($823 million), making China the fastest-growing market worldwide for Norwegian seafood products in 2024.
The growth in the Chinese market outpaced other major importers, with exports to South Korea and the United Kingdom increasing by 634 million Norwegian Krone and 584 million Norwegian Krone respectively, following behind China's 886 million Norwegian Krone gain.
A diverse range of seafood products enjoyed significant growth in the Chinese market. Norwegian salmon exports to China climbed 10 percent in volume to 45,716 tons and saw a corresponding value increase to 5.11 billion Norwegian Krone. Norwegian mackerel exports surged 39 percent in volume to 45,105 tons and a 72 percent rise in value to 1.2 billion Norwegian Krone.
Norwegian Arctic cod shipments to China grew 2 percent in volume to 14,779 tons and 36 percent in value to NOK 864 million. Crustacean exports totaled 2,823 tons valued at 165 million Norwegian Krone, with prawns comprising 68 percent of this category's export value, whose exports reaching 2,439 tons.
"China has always been one of our most important export markets for seafood. In 2024, Norwegian seafood once again achieved remarkable success in the Chinese market. The high-quality growth of China's economy and the vibrant consumer market gives us great confidence in the continuous growth prospects of Norwegian seafood in China," said Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
"We will strive to introduce more high-quality and authentic Norwegian seafood to China, benefiting a broader range of consumers," he added.
Overall, Norway achieved historic export levels in 2024, shipping a total of 2.8 million tons of seafood worth 175.4 billion Norwegian Krone to global markets. This figure represents an increase of 3.7 billion Norwegian Krone compared to 2023 export values.
"In the period from 2020 to 2024 alone, the value increased by around 70 billion Norwegian Krone. This shows what a strong global position our seafood has," said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
