Policy – July 13, 2026
Norway: seafood industry renews call for Japan free-trade deal
Norway's seafood industry has renewed calls for a free-trade agreement with Japan, warning exporters remain at a disadvantage to competitors in the EU and UK, which already benefit from preferential market access.
The appeal came during a meeting between industry representatives and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss, where Sjømat Norge urged the government to maintain efforts to improve access to one of Norway's most important seafood markets.
"Geopolitical uncertainty makes it even more important to secure access to stable markets," Sjømat Norge chair Line Ellingsen said in a statement.
Chief executive Geir Ove Ystmark said the industry wanted the government to continue pursuing solutions that would provide Norwegian seafood with tariff-free access to Japan.
According to Sjømat Norge, Næss said improving market access to Japan remains a government priority. The minister visited Japan in June with Crown Prince Haakon to promote cooperation in seafood, ocean management and maritime industries.
