Norway exports live snow crabs to China for first time

For the first time in history, Norwegian live snow crabs landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China, since the export was approved last year.

"It is an important step in strengthening our ambition to bring more quality seafood to China," said the Norwegian Seafood Council's envoy to China, Sigmund Bjørgo.

During the bilateral meeting held in Beijing with the Chinese Minister of Customs and Veterinary Authorities, Yu Jianhua, the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, already mentioned that live snow crab was gaining increasing interest in several Asian markets.

However, CEO Svein Ruud of Norway King Crab has alerted about the need to opt for more suitable vessels for live capture and make the most of this new market opportunity.

A new Norway-China freight route has been inaugurated

Just a couple of days ago, the air freight route for seafood exports from Ezhou Huahu International Airport in China to Oslo Airport, Norway, was officially launched.

According to the Norwegian news agency NTB, Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia's first dedicated cargo hub, has received significant investments in its infrastructure to increase activity between the two regions.

The Norwegian Seafood Council hopes that China will become one of the three largest markets for Norwegian shellfish by 2029. In 2024, the tons of shellfish exported to China increased by 182%, reaching 2,823 tons. This amounts to 165 million NOK, a 49% growth compared to the previous year.