Summary of Key Points
In 2026, China surpassed Norway to become the second-largest seafood market in the world. As the second-largest exporter of seafood globally, Norway and China have a complementary relationship rather than one of competition in this industry. The growth rate of the Chinese market has been astonishing: it rose from being Norway's tenth-largest seafood market in 2020 to third in 2025, and then to second in 2026. Norwegian salmon has performed particularly well, with exports to China increasing by 55% (52,400 tons) and the value increasing by 48% (approximately 3.475 billion yuan) from January to May this year. Norway is also China's largest supplier of Atlantic salmon. This growth is driven by changes in Chinese consumption patterns: improved cold chain infrastructure has enabled salmon to reach even third-tier cities, sales channels have shifted to live streaming e-commerce, and household consumption now accounts for 60% of the market. Additionally, China is the largest global market for Norwegian Arctic cod.
Detailed Analysis
The Rapid Rise of the Chinese Market
China's demand for Norwegian seafood has skyrocketed in just six years, rising from tenth to second place. Norwegian salmon has been a key driver of this growth, as it is the most recognized and popular seafood product among Chinese consumers. In the first five months of this year, Norway exported 55% more salmon to China than last year, worth over 3.4 billion yuan, an increase of nearly 50%. Currently, the majority of Atlantic salmon sold in the Chinese market comes from Norway, making it the absolute leading supplier.
The Role of the Cold Chain
The development of cold chain logistics has made it possible to transport salmon fresh to smaller cities, overcoming the challenges of maintaining low temperatures during transportation. Whether by air or land, salmon can now be delivered promptly to various regions, making it as accessible in third-tier cities as it is in major metropolises. This expansion of distribution has naturally led to increased demand.
Changing Consumption Patterns
Before the pandemic, consumers mainly purchased salmon in restaurants (such as Japanese-style eateries), but now household consumption accounts for 60% of the market. The reason for this shift is the proliferation of new sales channels, such as live streaming e-commerce and social media platforms. Salmon processing plants even conduct live broadcasts to sell their products directly, which builds consumer confidence. Household consumption is more stable than restaurant consumption, as it is a daily necessity, providing a sustained demand for the market.
A Diverse Range of Seafood Products
China's interest in seafood extends beyond salmon; it is also the largest market for Norwegian Arctic cod. With its growing demand for various types of shrimp, China has become Norway's number one export destination for this product. This indicates a complementary relationship between the two countries, where each provides what the other needs.
Norway's Optimism
Bjørnar Bistum, the Chinese director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, is very confident about the future of the Chinese market. The reason is simple: as Chinese residents' living standards improve, they are increasingly willing to afford high-quality seafood. What was once considered a luxury item is now becoming part of a regular diet. With the trend towards higher-quality food consumption, the demand for Norwegian seafood is expected to continue to grow, offering significant opportunities for both countries.
These changes reflect not only China's growing purchasing power but also a mutually beneficial partnership in the seafood industry. In the future, Norwegian seafood is likely to become more common on ordinary Chinese households' dining tables.