Norwegian seafood took center stage at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) this week, as the Nordic nation announced that its live brown crabs have been officially approved for export to China, marking a new milestone in bilateral trade ties.

Norwegian seafood on display at the Norwegian National Pavilion at the eighth China International Import Expo, Nov. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council]

At the Norwegian National Pavilion, the Norwegian Seafood Council and leading seafood companies showcased a wide range of products, including salmon, mackerel and prawns, underscoring Norway's commitment to the Chinese market and to strengthening cooperation across the seafood supply chain.

During a media briefing on Friday, Hanne-Berit Brekken, state secretary of Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, said the approval of live brown crab exports represents an important breakthrough after China granted market access for live snow crabs last year.

"This is another step forward in our seafood trade and a testament to the strong cooperation between Norway and China," she said. "With continued collaboration, innovation and mutual respect, we believe that trade relations between Norway and China will reach greater heights in the years to come."

China and Norway have established strong ties in the seafood trade over the past two decades. Norway's seafood exports to China reached 9.37 billion Norwegian kroner ($920 million) in the first three quarters of 2025, up 42% year on year, data from the council showed.

Norwegian Ambassador to China Vebj?rn Dysvik told China.org.cn that the surge in exports reflects the growing importance of China in Norway's global seafood trade.

"Chinese consumers are increasingly looking for safe, nutritious and high-quality seafood," he said. "Our history and our commitment to the ocean, combined with strict food safety requirements, ensure that consumers in China and everywhere can enjoy Norwegian seafood that is not only delicious and healthy but also safe and responsibly produced."

He pointed out that over the years, Norway and China have built a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and shared ambitions for sustainable development.

"Norwegian companies see great potential for further growth in the Chinese market and are eager to contribute with their expertise in renewable energy, marine technology, aquaculture and green shipping, where these two countries share strong complementarities with China's development goals," he said.

To further seize growth opportunities in China, Sigmund Bj?rgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, said the council plans to continue increasing investment in the Chinese market, strengthen cooperation with local partners and bring more high-quality seafood from Norway's pure waters to Chinese consumers.

He noted that salmon remains Norway's flagship export to China. Data from the council showed that in the first three quarters of 2025, Norway shipped 69,376 tons of salmon worth 6.19 billion kroner, up 112% and 67% respectively year on year. "China is currently Norway's sixth-largest global market for salmon and the fastest-growing among its top 10," said Bj?rgo.

The council expects seafood exports to China to exceed 12.5 billion kroner in 2025, supported by strong demand and increased market investment.

Sigmund Bj?rgo (L), China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, Hanne-Berit Brekken (C), state secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Vebj?rn Dysvik (R), Norwegian ambassador to China, pose for a photo at a press briefing during the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council]