Norwegian salmon is rapidly becoming a staple on dining tables across the Chinese mainland, with imports soaring by over 40% annually since 2022. This surge reflects shifting consumer preferences toward premium seafood and Norway's strategic trade partnerships in Asia.
Industry analysts attribute the growth to increased health consciousness among Chinese consumers and improved cold-chain logistics enabling wider distribution. "Norwegian exporters have adapted packaging formats to suit smaller households and developed ready-to-cook products for urban professionals," said a Shanghai-based food market analyst.
The trend aligns with China's growing middle-class demand for high-quality protein sources. Major e-commerce platforms report salmon now accounts for 15% of their frozen seafood sales, with weekend sales spikes suggesting its popularity in home dining scenarios.
This development strengthens economic ties between Norway and Asia, with seafood accounting for 68% of Norway's exports to the Chinese mainland in 2023. The expansion has also spurred innovation in sustainable aquaculture practices to meet China's import requirements.
