Norwegian Mackerel Exports Declined Significantly in March, With Tight Supply Continuing To Impact The Market.

According to data from the Norwegian Seafood Council, Norway exported 7,200 tons of mackerel in March, worth 370 million Norwegian kroner. Compared to March 2025, the export value decreased by 61 million Norwegian kroner, a year-on-year decrease of 14%; the export volume decreased even more, reaching 45%. The data shows that current Norwegian mackerel exports are clearly affected by insufficient raw materials.

Reduced supply is the main reason for this round of export decline. The 2025/2026 fishing season lasts from August 2025 to January 2026, with only 183,000 tons of mackerel landing in Norway, a 44% decrease compared to the previous fishing season. The contraction in raw materials directly reduces the space for subsequent processing and export, resulting in a significant weakening of export performance in March.

Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of deep-sea fish at the Norwegian Seafood Council, stated that the decline in mackerel exports is closely related to tight supply. He also mentioned that mackerel prices rose rapidly before November 2025, but since December 2025, frozen mackerel prices have shown a slight but sustained decline. As Norway's largest export category of mackerel, the price changes in frozen products also reflect a more cautious market demand.

South Korea remains Norway's most important export destination for mackerel. This year, South Korea's imports have still significantly exceeded those of Vietnam, which ranks second. However, the South Korean market is also beginning to show signs of pressure. Local buyers are reacting more cautiously to the rapid rise in mackerel prices, and high costs are affecting their purchasing pace.

A new shift has emerged in the Japanese market. For the first time, Norway's herring exports to Japan have surpassed those of mackerel. Johan Kvalheim, the Norwegian Seafood Council's representative in Japan, stated that this change stems from both a decrease in mackerel exports and increased interest in Norwegian herring in the Japanese market. With limited mackerel supply and high prices, some buyers are turning to more affordable alternatives.

Overall, Norwegian mackerel exports are experiencing a ripple effect from supply contraction. In the short term, if the raw material shortage does not improve, the volume and price trends of mackerel exports will remain under pressure, while the presence of alternatives such as herring in the Asian market may continue to strengthen.