Norway’s seafood industry is changing fast. In August 2025, seafood export value dropped 2% year-over-year to NOK 14.3 billion. A 15% U.S. tariff on seafood imports was a key factor. Salmon exports alone fell 15%.
At the same time, exports to China surged. China became the fastest-growing market for Norwegian seafood. These trends show markets are volatile. Exporters need flexible, resilient supply chains.
Key Challenges in the Seafood Industry
Insights from AquaNor 2025 highlight four major challenges:
- Market volatility: Tariffs, trade disruptions, and shifting demand create uncertainty.
- Regulatory complexity: Sustainability, climate, and labor regulations require constant attention.
- Supply chain transparency: Ensuring fair labor practices across global suppliers is difficult.
- Innovation scaling: New products, like seaweed, and emerging technologies need guidance to reach markets.
The industry has growth potential. But growth is only sustainable if supply chains are strong.
The Achilles Seafood Network: Solutions That Work
The Achilles Seafood Network helps exporters manage risks and seize opportunities. It combines local audits, human expertise, and global standards.
How we address challenges:
- Local audits: On-site inspections reveal hidden risks in labor practices, compliance, and operations. A recent case study showed nearly 100 issues across companies, including gaps in labor compliance, contracts, and supplier oversight.
- Human expertise: Local teams provide practical solutions and ensure improvements are effective.
- Global standards: We help companies meet international requirements, enter new markets, and respond to tariffs or regulatory changes.
Outcomes:
- Safer and fairer working conditions
- Stronger compliance with labor and transparency laws
- Reduced operational and reputational risk
- Better access to new markets and products
Building Sustainable Seafood Supply Chains
Seafood is evolving. It’s not just salmon. It’s technology, sustainability, and meeting global demand. Exporters need strong, transparent, and adaptable supply chains to grow safely.
The Achilles Seafood Network helps companies:
- Mitigate market and regulatory risks
- Protect workers and suppliers
- Meet global compliance and sustainability standards
- Access new products and markets
Take Action
Don’t wait for risks to disrupt your business. Join the Achilles Seafood Network to:
- Conduct thorough audits
- Strengthen supplier relationships
- Implement scalable solutions for resilience and growth
