Producers in Norway exported seafood worth NoK13.4 billion in May, which represents a 1% drop compared with May last year. This is the fourth month this year that has seen a decline in seafood export values while the year to date is down 2% on the same period in 2025.
‘A turbulent geopolitical backdrop, trade barriers and reduced availability of raw materials continue to affect seafood exports. So far, 2026 has been far more challenging than last year for Norwegian seafood. Despite higher prices for salmon, cod and mackerel in May, this was also a month without growth in value,’ said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
‘Lower volumes of cod, mackerel and salmon fillets dragged down the export value in May. In addition, the Norwegian krone was significantly stronger against the dollar and the euro last month than at the same time last year. This means that export prices are lower when measured in Norwegian kroner.’
He commented that the war in the Middle East had an impact on the flow of salmon and trout in May.
‘There are still many challenges relating to logistics and reduced tourism in this region. In May, Norwegian salmon saw a drop in volume of over 20% to all major markets in the Middle East.’
The US is the market that has seen the sharpest decline in the first five months of the year. The drop in export value totals NOK 2.4 billion compared with the same period last year.
‘May exports to the US follow the same trend, with a fall in value of NoK363 million. This is largely due to a decline in fresh and frozen salmon fillets, which are major and important products from Norway to the US,’Christian Chramer said.
During May, Poland and China were key largest growth markets, with Poland up 29% and China 37%.
‘Growth in Poland is primarily driven by fresh whole salmon, there is strong demand for seafood for raw consumption in China. Salmon and prawns in particular are growing,’ he reported.
