China's import of Norwegian salmon hits record monthly high

Norway's salmon export to China hit a historic monthly record at 12,464 tons and about 1 billion NOK ($107 million), according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The council, together with nine Norwegian seafood companies, attended the 20th Shanghai International Fisheries and Seafood Exhibition held from Aug 26 to 28.

"China has long been a strategically important market for Norwegian seafood, and we are confident in its long-term prospects," Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, said.

"We will continue to deepen cooperation with Chinese industry partners and further grow the market for Norwegian salmon in China."

China has become the world's second-largest market for Norwegian salmon. From January to July, Norway shipped 75,800 tonnes of salmon to China valued at NOK 5.6 billion, representing year-over-year volume and value increases of 46 percent and 41 percent, respectively.

After China jumped to second place globally in salmon imports in the first quarter, total imports reached about 215,000 tons for the 12-month period ending in June. The council projects a 30 percent overall market expansion in 2026 to roughly 235,000 tons. Norwegian salmon's market share has climbed from 55 percent in 2025 to 63 percent in the first half of 2026.