Selected Norwegian seafood products will be showcased at the 2nd China International Import Expo this November in Shanghai, as seafood exports from Norway to China are expected to continue to grow. As of the end of the third quarter this year,  total Norwegian seafood exports to China reached nearly 112,000 tons, growing 14 percent year-on-year, reaching 3.6 billion NOK ($39.5 million). China has now become the fastest-growing market for Norwegian seafood.

Harald Nesvik, Norwegian minister of Fisheries and Seafood

"China is Norway's most important trading partner in Asia, and I am pleased with the positive development in our seafood exports to this market," said Harald Nesvik, the Norwegian minister of Fisheries and Seafood on Thursday. "During my time visiting China, I have observed the close collaboration between the Norwegian and Chinese seafood industries, and I look forward to seeing the long-term growth of seafood trade between our two countries."

Led by fresh salmon, which expanded by 92 percent in the first three quarters in 2019, Norway has seen fruitful development across all seafood export categories to the Chinese market, including Norwegian Arctic cod and Norwegian mackerel. The export value of Norwegian Arctic cod increased 20 percent, reaching 722 million RMB in the first three quarters. Norwegian mackerel also witnessed an upsurge of 85 percent in export volume, reaching 19,650 tons.

Country of origin is an essential reference for the quality and taste of seafood products. Nine out of 10 consumers agree that origin matters, especially when it comes to seafood purchasing. In China, 44 percent of Chinese consumers regard Norway as their first choice of seafood origin. With the high recognition and growing consumption of Norwegian seafood, the export of Norwegian seafood will continue to grow. 

Victoria Braathen, director for Chinese mainland and Hong Kong of the Norwegian Seafood Council

"Our surveys show that Norway is the most preferred seafood origin among Chinese consumers. From the cold clear waters of Norway, seafood from Norway will continue to satisfy the appetites of Chinese consumers," observed Victoria Braathen, the director for Chinese mainland and Hong Kong of the Norwegian Seafood Council. 

Norwegian seafood embraces a promising growth in China as the market has shown increasing demands for Norwegian seafood, providing opportunity to introduce more high-quality seafood species to Chinese consumers.