Norwegian salmon exporters gain ground in Thailand as Asian shift accelerates.
Thailand has become one of the fastest-growing Asian markets for Norwegian salmon, overtaking both Japan and South Korea in combined salmon and trout volumes and establishing itself as a key destination in the region.
Exports of salmon and trout to Thailand have continued to rise throughout 2025, making the country the second-largest Asian market in volume terms. Norwegian exporters have expanded their market share in Thailand to more than 73 percent so far this year.
“Thailand’s appetite for Norwegian salmon does not appear to be stagnating. Thanks to good preference and competitive prices, Norway has increased its market share to over 73 per cent. So far this year, the category for Atlantic salmon and trout has increased by 8 per cent,” says Åshild Nakken, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to Southeast Asia.
The trend reflects broader momentum across Asia, where Norway is seeing stronger demand for specific sizes and specifications favoured in regional markets. Thailand, traditionally a strong importer of seafood for both domestic consumption and re-export through its processing industry, has strengthened its position as a strategic hub for Norwegian aquaculture products.
Seafood analyst Paul T. Aandahl notes that Thailand’s growth parallels gains in China and the UK but stands out because of its shift in regional ranking: “Thailand is emerging as one of Norway’s most important markets for salmon and trout in Asia.”
The rise comes as export shares to the EU continue to fall. In November, the EU accounted for 61 per cent of Norway’s salmon export value, down from 66 per cent last year, while Asia’s share rose to 21 per cent.
With sustained demand, competitive pricing and strong consumer preference, Thailand is expected to remain a central market for Norwegian salmon through the end of the year.
