China is rapidly emerging as Norway's most important seafood export market, helping offset weak demand in other regions and underscoring the growing role of Chinese consumers in shaping global demand for premium imported seafood.

Norwegian seafood exports to China rose 36 percent year-on-year to 4.9 billion Norwegian kroner ($528.2 million) in the first four months, lifting China past the United States to become Norway's second-largest seafood market, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.

"China is a huge market, and the importance of China for the Norwegian industry is only growing," Sigmund Bjorgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, told China Daily in an interview.

"I would not be surprised that within a few years, if the growth in China continues, China might become the biggest market for Norwegian seafood quite soon," Bjorgo said.

China's rise comes as Norwegian exporters navigate growing uncertainty elsewhere. Exports to the United States have fallen 33 percent by value so far this year, reflecting the combined impact of tariff-related uncertainty, a weaker US dollar and changing trade flows, according to the council.

The contrast highlights a broader shift in Norwegian seafood exports toward markets outside Europe. The council said China recorded the largest increase in export value among all major destinations in April, while demand in several Asian and Middle Eastern markets weakened amid higher logistics costs and geopolitical disruptions.

Salmon remains the main driver of growth in China.

Norwegian salmon exports to China rose 68 percent in volume and 50 percent in value during the January-April period, supported by ample supply and expanding consumer demand. Bjorgo described salmon as the "locomotive" of Norway's seafood exports to China.

The growth is no longer limited to salmon. Norwegian cold-water prawns have become one of the fastest-growing seafood categories in the Chinese market. Exports of the product to China increased 87 percent in value during the first four months of the year.

Just two years ago, Norwegian suppliers had almost no presence in the segment. China has since become Norway's largest market for cold-water prawns, with exports reaching 8,392 metric tons in 2025, up 244 percent from a year earlier.

According to Bjorgo, changing consumption patterns are helping drive demand. While cooked prawns remain popular in northeastern China, growth has increasingly come from raw prawns used for sashimi, particularly among younger consumers.

The trend reflects broader changes identified in the council's annual seafood consumer trends report, which this year focuses exclusively on China for the first time.

Bjorgo said improved logistics and instant-delivery services have also transformed how consumers buy seafood. "Five or six years ago, it was mainly consumed in restaurants. Now it is very easy for consumers to buy it and eat it at home," he said.

Norwegian industry executives see further room for expansion.

"China is a very strong market. The online stores are growing very fast," said Knut Helge Vestre, chief executive of Coldwater Prawns of Norway AS.

"China is Norway's most important trading partner in Asia," said Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Norwegian embassy in China.

Contact the writers at lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn