Norwegian cold-water prawns step up market presence in China

The Norwegian prawn industry made a prominent appearance at the 2026 Seafood Expo Asia-Pacific and the eighth Dalian International Seafood Festival in Dalian, Liaoning province, from May 28 to 30, amid rising consumer demand for premium seafood in China.

Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, speaks at the 2026 Seafood Expo Asia-Pacific in Dalian, Liaoning province, May 28, 2026. [Photo courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council]

"China is one of the most important strategic markets for Norwegian cold-water prawns," said Sigmund Bjørgo, China director of the Norwegian Seafood Council. "The continuous expansion of the Chinese market, the upgrade of consumption structures, and the increasing demand for raw-consumption products are collectively driving the steady growth of the Norwegian cold-water prawn business in China."

He added, "In the future, we will continue to deepen collaboration with local partners, expand diverse consumption scenarios for Norwegian cold-water prawns in China, and better meet Chinese consumers' demand for high-quality seafood."

This year, the Norwegian Cold-Water Prawn Pavilion expanded its exhibition footprint, showcasing products from Norway's cold waters while providing a platform for brand promotion and business matchmaking between Norwegian and Chinese industry players. The upgraded presence demonstrated the Norwegian seafood industry's confidence in the Chinese market's long-term trajectory.

China is the world's largest single market for prawns. As consumers increasingly seek out premium seafood, the cold-water prawn segment has expanded steadily. China Customs data shows imports surpassed 71,000 tonnes in 2025, up 8% over the previous year.

Efficient cold-chain logistics and e-commerce have accelerated retail reach, with livestreaming platforms and premium supermarkets bringing cold-water prawns to a growing number of households.

China is now Norway's largest market for cold-water prawns. In the first four months of 2026, Norway exported 1,320 tonnes of cold-water prawns to China, with an export value of 95 million Norwegian kroner ($10.27 million), up 41% and 87% year on year, respectively. Frozen sashimi-grade prawns are the primary growth engine, accounting for 911 tonnes, or 69% of total Norwegian prawn exports to China over that period.

Visitors tour the upgraded Norwegian Cold-Water Prawn Pavilion at the 2026 Seafood Expo Asia-Pacific in Dalian, Liaoning province, May 28, 2026. [Photo courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council]

On the expo's opening day, the Norwegian Seafood Council and the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA) co-hosted a promotional event to deepen bilateral industry ties and identify new market opportunities.

He Cui, president of CAPPMA, said China's seafood market is accelerating its transition toward quality and diversification, creating vast growth space for high-quality imported seafood. He emphasized that both sides remain committed to promoting the development of Norwegian cold-water prawns in the Chinese market, building on a strong foundation of the Sino-Norwegian seafood trade.

Josefine Voraa, seafood industry manager for shellfish at the Norwegian Seafood Council, provided an analysis of how global trade flows for cold-water prawns are evolving and how growing demand in China is reshaping market dynamics and influencing Norwegian cold-water prawn exports.

Synne Guldbrandsen, marketing manager of the Norwegian Fishermen's Sales Organization, detailed resource management and sustainable fishing practices. She noted that Norway's strict management of the Barents Sea ensures the sustainability of the wild stock and highlighted the advanced production capabilities of the Norwegian fleet, which provide a stable and traceable supply for the Chinese market.

A panel discussion closed out the event, bringing representatives from across the supply chain, including seafood importers, e-commerce retailers and well-known restaurant chains, to analyze current market trends and the core drivers of consumption growth. Guests reached a broad consensus on the future growth path for the Chinese cold-water prawn market, offering practical takeaways for market participants.