Norwegian Seafood Council Sets 20 Billion Yuan Target for China Exports by 2035, with First 9 Months Export Value Up 26%(Nov 9)

Norwegian Seafood Council Sets 20 Billion Yuan Target for China Exports by 2035, with First 9 Months Export Value Up 26%

On November 6, 2026, the Norwegian Seafood Council officially launched its "2035 China Plan" during the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), setting a target of 20 billion yuan in annual seafood exports to China by 2035. This goal doubles the original target of the "2025 China Plan" introduced in 2017, underscoring the growing importance of the Chinese market in Norway's global seafood trade strategy.

The previous "2025 China Plan" aimed for 10 billion yuan in annual seafood exports to China by 2025. As of the end of 2025, actual export value reached 8.5 billion yuan, achieving 85% of the original target, equivalent to 12.3 billion Norwegian kroner. The Norwegian Seafood Council attributed the shortfall to the impact of the pandemic on market development and external factors such as the appreciation of the Chinese yuan against the Norwegian krone.

Export performance to China improved significantly in 2026. According to data released by the Norwegian Seafood Council, from January to September 2026, Norway's seafood export volume to China reached 158,230 tons, with export value totaling 8.3 billion yuan, equivalent to 11.69 billion Norwegian kroner. Export volume increased 15% year-over-year, while export value grew 26%, with the value growth rate ranking second among Norway's top 15 seafood export markets.

The fact that export value growth outpaced export volume growth indicates an increase in average unit export value measured in yuan. Based on the total volume and value, the average export price of Norwegian seafood to China in the first nine months of 2026 was approximately 52,500 yuan per ton. This figure is a simple ratio of total export value to weight across all seafood categories and does not represent the market transaction price of any specific category.

China's ranking among Norwegian seafood export markets has also shifted. In 2025, China was Norway's third-largest seafood export market; in 2026, China rose to second place. The Norwegian Seafood Council expects that based on export performance in the first nine months, the full-year export value to China in 2026 is likely to reach 10 billion yuan, achieving the target set by the 2017 "2025 China Plan."

The new "2035 China Plan" sets the annual export target at 20 billion yuan. Compared with the previous plan, the new target not only extends the timeframe but also raises expectations for exports to the Chinese market. The Norwegian Seafood Council stated that it will increase investment in the Chinese market in the coming years, collaborating with Norwegian seafood companies and Chinese industry partners to expand the market presence of Norwegian seafood through joint promotion, industry exhibitions, forums, and consumer marketing activities.

In terms of category composition, salmon is the largest seafood category in Norway's exports to China, and Arctic sweet shrimp has also established an important position in the Chinese market. The Norwegian Seafood Council aims to introduce more Norwegian seafood products into Chinese consumers' daily consumption scenarios through brand promotion and supply chain cooperation.

In the first nine months of 2026, Norway's seafood export value to China has already reached 8.3 billion yuan, leaving a gap of 1.7 billion yuan to the full-year target of 10 billion yuan. The export performance in the fourth quarter will determine whether this annual target can be fulfilled.