This year, Norway has successfully ascended as the world’s largest seafood exporter delivering 2.8 million tons of premium seafood products to 150 markets worldwide. That is an equivalent to 38 million meals a day and a total value at THB 560 billion (NOK 175 billion), setting a new record for Norwegian seafood exports in history. Thailand, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest economies, is Norway’s No. 1 market in the region with a total export increased by 13% in value, reaching THB 10 billion (NOK 3.06 billion), and by 8% in volume, to 42,500 tons. Of this total, a significant 91% comprised fresh salmonids (Salmon and Fjord Trout combined), reflecting Thai consumers’ continuing preference for fresh, high-quality seafood and a strong positioning of Seafood from Norway branding.
At THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025, 21 Norwegian seafood exporters showcased a wide range of premium seafood from 27 – 31 May at the Seafood from Norway Pavilion, Challenger Hall 3, Entrance 1, Booth Number K29 – L29, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
Mr. Christian Chramer, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), said, “2024 was characterized by significant production challenges for Salmon, geopolitical fluctuations and economic uncertainties in the global market; however, Norway exported more than 60 different species to over 150 countries around the world with the value of Norwegian seafood exports rose to a historically high level. In the period from 2020 to 2024 alone, the value increased by around THB 225 billion (NOK 70 billion). This shows what a strong global position our seafood has.”
With Thailand, Norway is now in a favorable trade environment, thanks to the recently signed free trade agreement under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Given that seafood already accounts for more than half of Norway’s total exports to Thailand, the agreement is expected to further lower barriers, encourage trade, and reduce tariffs on Norwegian seafood exports to Thailand over the coming years, with market growth projected at 16% by 2030.
Ms. Åshild Nakken, Southeast Asia Regional Director, Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), said, “Thailand market is still expected to develop positively for Norwegian seafood. Salmon has a market share of 70% and has a high level of awareness among the Thais, while Fjord trout is also very well liked, and Norwegian Saba is often eaten at Japanese restaurants. There are approximately 5,700 Japanese restaurants in Thailand and that number is growing. This is one of the key drivers for the consumption of Norwegian seafood.”
In 2024, Thailand imported 19,000 tons of Salmon, valued at THB 6 billion (NOK 1.9 billion), 8,000 tons of Fjord Trout, valued at THB 2.3 billion (NOK 720 million), and 11,500 tons of Norwegian Saba, valued at THB 940 million (NOK 290 million).
“We have an exciting year ahead as 2025 also marks 120 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Norway. A line-up of marketing activities includes ‘Salmon Saturday’ encouraging people to eat or cook Salmon on a Saturday and partnering with retails and restaurants nationwide, ‘From Sea to Sky: 120 Years of Friendship’ joint campaign with Thai Airways, Seafood from Norway Festival educating and engaging with the public on a larger scale, and many more,” Åshild concluded.
