Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council

Unprecedented Growth for Norway’s Snow Crab Sector in 2025

NORWAY
Monday, January 12, 2026, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Surge in US Demand and Extended Fishing Season Drive $135.5 Million Revenue

Norway’s snow crab industry celebrated a standout year in 2025, surpassing all previous performance benchmarks despite shifting global trade dynamics. According to new data, Norway exported 7,610 tonnes of snow crab valued at NOK 1.6 billion ($135.5 million). This represents a staggering value increase of NOK 919 million ($77.8 million), or 127%, compared to 2024, with export volumes growing by 19%.

Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council

The primary drivers for this performance were the USA, Japan, and Denmark, which emerged as the largest markets. The 2025 figures outperformed the previous high set in 2021 by NOK 838 million ($71 million).

Shift in Seasonal Trends

Unlike previous years where catches were concentrated in March and April, the 2025 season saw a significant shift due to quota increases and an extended season. Fishing continued until the closed season in December, leading to unseasonably high export volumes in May, June, and the final month of the year.

Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council

USA Dominates Growth Despite Tariff Headwinds

The USA recorded the most significant growth, with an export value increase of NOK 691 million ($58.5 million), a 234% jump over the previous year. Total volume to the USA reached 4,512 tonnes, up 88%.

“Nevertheless, around 75 per cent of the volumes were exported in the period February-May at high prices, because stocks in the US were low at the start of the season and uncertainty about tariffs meant that US players secured volumes early. Following the introduction of customs duties in the USA and the start of the Canadian season, prices for Norwegian snow crab fell and Norwegian competitiveness was weakened throughout the year," says Josefine Voraa, head of shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Despite the late-year price softening, the price of frozen snow crab hit a peak of NOK 216 ($18.29) per kg, which is NOK 31 ($2.62) higher than the previous high in 2021.

Photo: courtesy Ervik Seafood

Strong December Finish

The year concluded on a high note for the fishery. In December alone, Norway exported 251 tonnes of snow crab worth NOK 34 million ($2.88 million). This represents a gain of NOK 34 million ($2.88 million) compared to December 2024, which saw negligible export activity.

editorial@seafood.media
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