Chinese shoppers to get taste of Norway's live brown crab

Norway has announced the approval of live brown crab exports to China at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), marking another milestone in the expanding seafood trade between the two nations.

Hanne-Berit Brekken, state secretary of Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, made the announcement at the expo's Norway National Pavilion on Friday, saying that live brown crab is the second Norwegian live crustacean product to gain access to the Chinese market following the approval of live snow crab last year.

"We are delighted that Norwegian live brown crab has successfully been approved for the Chinese market, representing an important milestone in expanding Norwegian seafood exports to China," said Brekken.

"China is one of Norway's most important trading partners for seafood. Our long-standing, stable and mutually trusting relationship has created new space for growth in Norwegian seafood trade."

China's crab market has demonstrated growth, with imports exceeding 134,000 tonnes in 2024, valued at 22.6 billion Norwegian kroner (NOK) ($2.21 billion). The demand for brown crab has been strong, with import volumes surging by 40 percent between 2023 and 2024.

Vebjørn Dysvik, Norway's ambassador to China, emphasized the growing importance of the Chinese market to his country's global seafood trade.

"Chinese consumers' demand for safe, healthy and high-quality seafood continues to rise," Dysvik said.

"We are proud to provide premium, nutritious products from Norway's pristine waters."

The first three quarters of 2025 have witnessed growth in Norway's seafood exports to China, reaching 9.37 billion NOK ($918 million), a 42 percent increase compared to the same period last year. China has emerged as Norway's third-largest export market among more than 150 countries and regions, showing the highest export value growth globally.

Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, projects that Norway's seafood exports to China will exceed 12.5 billion NOK ($1.22 billion) in 2025, based on the first nine months' performance.

The Norwegian Seafood Council's participation in the CIIE for the fourth consecutive year underscores the expo's strategic importance.

"CIIE is more than just a business-to-business venue, it's a crucial platform for public relations and government relations," Bjørgo said.

"Shanghai is also where we observe emerging trends and developments."

The council says it has plans to strengthen its investment in the Chinese market and collaborate with local partners to introduce more high-quality seafood products from Norway.