Norwegian Seafood Council: 2024 was The Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports
Norwegian Seafood Council: 2024 was The Best Year Ever for Norwegian Seafood Exports
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), our premium member, stated that Norway has never exported seafood with such a high value as in 2024. A total of 2.8 million tonnes of Norwegian seafood worth NOK 175.4 billion was exported last year. This corresponds to 38 million meals every single day – all year round.
“2024 was characterised by quota cuts for cod, significant production challenges for salmon, geopolitical fluctuations and economic turmoil in the global market. When the value of seafood exports nevertheless rises to a historically high level, it is incredibly strong,” says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“Once again, Norwegian seafood exports have set new records, and I am impressed by everyone who has contributed. The Norwegian seafood trade is a fantastic example of how sustainability can be combined with economic value creation,” says Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
Adventurous growth
The export value of NOK 175.4 billion is the highest ever. This is an increase of NOK 3.7 billion, or 2 per cent, compared with the record year of 2023.
“Norwegian seafood exports have experienced marvellous growth. In the period from 2020 to 2024 alone, the value increased by around NOK 70 billion. This shows what a strong global position our seafood has. Last year, we exported more than 60 different species to over 150 countries around the world,” says Christian Chramer.
Strong development to Asia for salmon
Norway exported salmon to a value of NOK 122.9 billion in 2024. This is a new value record and accounted for 70 per cent of total Norwegian seafood exports.
“The exciting and strong development for salmon continued in Asia, where it is considered an everyday luxury by consumers in countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam and Korea. In addition, salmon has strongly established itself in the fast-food trends of sushi, sashimi and poke around the world and in the everyday food segment in Europe,” explains Chramer.
Thailand largest market in Southeast Asia
The Norwegian seafood export to the South-East Asia region and Taiwan continues to grow. The total volume was 172,000 tons, up from 153,000 tons in 2023 and the value increased 12% to NOK 9.4 billion.
“We see a growing demand in many of the markets with Thailand leading the way. Thai people are increasing their consumption of Norwegian Salmon and the import was up.” says Åshild Nakken, Director Southeast Asia of the Norwegian Seafood Council. “We are thankful that Thais love for Norwegian salmon, fjord trout and mackerel is on the rise with the consumption of Norwegian Salmon increasing 12% last year compared to 2023,” says Åshild Nakken, Director Southeast Asia of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
The most important species to Southeast Asia in value are salmon at NOK 5 billion, trout NOK 1.6 billion and mackerel NOK 1.6 billion. The export of Norwegian salmon and trout increased by 7% in volume and 2% in value in 2024 compared to 2023. Mackerel volumes went up by 15% to 63,993 tons for the region.
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