Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council

Norwegian Salmon Achieves Record High Export Value in October, Hitting $1.17 Billion. China Tops Value Growth

NORWAY
Friday, November 07, 2025, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

Export value reached $1.17 Billion (NOK 12.6 Billion), driven by increased demand in Asia, while the price of trout briefly surpassed that of salmon

OSLO – Norwegian salmon exports hit an all-time record high value for a single month in October, surpassing the previous peak set in November 2024.

Norway exported 148,729 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 12.6 billion, or approximately $1.17 billion, in October. This represents an increase of NOK 816 million ($75.9 million), or 7%, in value compared to the same month last year, driven by a 4% growth in volume.

The largest markets for salmon in October were Poland, the USA, and France. The value of $1.17 billion surpasses the previous single-month record by NOK 696 million ($64.7 million).

Asia Leads Demand Growth

Paul T Aandahl, Seafood Analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council, highlighted Asia's growing role in the market:

"Asia has increased its share of Norwegian salmon exports throughout 2025, and October follows this trend."

This shift is due to complex factors, including increased demand, increased availability of large salmon, and customs duties in the USA, which are helping to shift the flow of goods toward Asia. Furthermore, growth is not limited to China alone:

• Japan: Experienced a 10% value increase in October.

• Thailand: Grew by 46% in value.

• Taiwan: Increased by 61% in value.

China Tops Value Growth

China recorded the highest value growth in October, showing an increase of 92%, or NOK 332 million ($30.9 million), in export value compared to the same month last year. The export volume to China ended at 7,628 tonnes, which is 99% higher year-on-year.

According to Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China, despite competition from countries like Chile and Australia, the Norwegian market share has increased in a Chinese market that has experienced strong growth of 44% as of the third quarter of 2025.

Trout Price Overtakes Salmon

Regarding trout, Norway exported 8,306 tonnes valued at NOK 712 million, or approximately $66.2 million, in October.

• The value increased by NOK 98 million ($9.1 million), or 16%, compared to last year, with an 18% growth in volume.

• The main markets were the USA, Poland, and Ukraine.

• Poland was the country with the highest value growth in October, showing an increase of NOK 68 million ($6.3 million), or 295%, with volume also soaring by 290% to 1,134 tonnes.

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  Norwegian trout in the Polish market

Analyst Paul Aandahl noted a significant milestone: "With an average monthly price for fresh whole trout of NOK 80.09 (approx. $7.45) per kg, the trout price surpassed the salmon price for the first time since October last year."

Aandahl emphasized that Poland was the biggest growth market for trout, driven by growth in both Polish consumption and exports in 2025.

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

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