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Record-Breaking July for Norwegian Salmon Exports, Fueled by China Growth

NORWAY
Wednesday, August 06, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Remarkable 28% Volume Growth Marks Historic July for Norwegian Salmon

Record volume growth for salmon

• Norway exported 136,054 tonnes of salmon worth NOK 10.2 billion in July
• The value increased by NOK 800 million, or 8 per cent, compared with the same month last year
• This is a growth in volume of 28 per cent
• Poland, the USA and the Netherlands were the largest markets for salmon in July

“There is a seasonal variation in salmon exports, so a July volume of 136,000 tonnes is remarkably high. It almost equals the record volume we had in September and October last year. The reason for this is favourable biological conditions that have resulted in increased production compared with July 2024," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Highest market share in 15 years in China

China had the highest value growth in July, with an increase in export value of NOK 339 million, or 80 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to China ended at 9,950 tonnes, which is 121 per cent higher than the same month last year.

“The Chinese salmon market is experiencing strong growth. In the first half of the year, the salmon category increased by 39 per cent, while growth in the second quarter was over 50 per cent. Through good preference and competitive prices, Norway has increased its market share to 71 per cent in June. This is the highest market share for Norwegian salmon in China in 15 years," says Sigmund Bjørgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China.

Increased consumption of fresh salmon fillets in Europe

Poland, which is our largest export destination, had the second largest growth in July with an increase of NOK 291 million.

“Most of the salmon to Poland is processed for export. Strong growth in consumption of fresh salmon fillets in Europe is contributing to increased processing in Poland," says Aandahl.

The most important export markets for fresh fillets from Poland are Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy.

Value growth to the USA slowed down

“Value growth to the USA slowed down in July. Overall, exports increased by only 3 per cent, while volume increased by 16 per cent. Although increased tariffs may have had a negative effect, the fall in prices must mainly be seen in light of the large volume growth from Norway and globally so far this year," says Aandahl.

Good month for trout

• Norway exported 9,409 tonnes of trout worth NOK 697 million in July
• The value increased by NOK 72 million, or 11 per cent, compared with the same month last year
• This is a growth in volume of 20 per cent
• Lithuania, the USA and Ukraine were the largest markets for trout in July

Lithuania had the highest value growth in July, with an increase in export value of NOK 32 million, or 45 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

The export volume to Lithuania ended at 1,448 tonnes, which is 56 per cent higher than the same month last year.

Favourable production conditions

“Like salmon, trout has enjoyed favourable production conditions this year. This has led to strong volume growth. In terms of product weight, exports have increased by 30 per cent so far this year, while growth in value has been 18 per cent," says seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl of the Norwegian Seafood Council.

In comparison, salmon has increased by 23 per cent in volume and 3 per cent in value over the same period.

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