Norwegian Arctic Sweet Shrimp: The "Arctic Sensation" in the Chinese Market

In recent years, a seafood boom from the Arctic Circle has been sweeping the Chinese market. According to the latest statistics from the Norwegian Seafood Council, from January to July 2025, Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp performed remarkably in China, with export volume surging by 603% year-on-year to 4,952 tons, and export value skyrocketing by 630% to 258 million Norwegian kroner, driving a 27% growth in its global export value. Today, China has surpassed other countries and regions to become the largest export market for Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp, and there are multiple industry factors behind this phenomenon.

I. A Gift from the Deep Sea: Quality Lays the Foundation for Market Success

The popularity of Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp first stems from its irreplaceable quality advantages. This treasure, growing 70 meters deep in the Barents Sea, is bathed in near 0°C frigid waters all year round. The slow growth rhythm endows it with firm and springy meat, while the pure deep-sea environment nurtures its unique sweet and fresh flavor, which is in sharp contrast to shrimp from warmer waters.

What's more noteworthy is its processing technology. To lock in freshness to the greatest extent, Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp are immediately boiled or frozen on the fishing boat. This rapid "from ocean to processing" process ensures that consumers don't have to worry about quality loss during transportation, earning it the reputation of "ready-to-eat delicacy".

II. Consumption Upgrade: Diversified Demands Drive Growth

The consumption of Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp in the Chinese market shows an obvious trend of diversification. Data from the first seven months of 2025 shows:

• The import volume of cooked and frozen shell-on products reached 3,707 tons, 6 times that of last year, accounting for 75% of the total import volume. Due to the convenience of "ready to eat after thawing", such products are favored by household consumers and the retail industry, becoming a new choice for daily dining tables.

• The import volume of frozen raw shrimp reached 1,239 tons, nearly 29 times that of last year, accounting for 33%. These raw shrimp are mainly supplied to high-end Japanese restaurants for making sashimi and other raw foods, meeting the pursuit of high-quality seafood by some consumers.

The popularity of both products reflects the consumption upgrade trend in China's catering market.

III. Multiple Factors: Jointly Creating a Market Miracle

The explosive growth of Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp in the Chinese market is the result of the combined effect of multiple factors:

• Advantages in trade environment: Canada, the main competitor, saw its price advantage weakened due to tariff increases, leaving market space for Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp.

• Upgraded consumer demand: Chinese consumers' demand for high-quality seafood continues to rise, making cold-water shrimp, which was originally popular mainly in the Northeast market, gradually spread to the whole country.

• Active market promotion: The Norwegian Seafood Council has increased its promotion efforts in China, continuously enhancing the product's popularity through exhibitions, promotion conferences and online channels.

With the increase in fishing quotas and the continuous expansion of market demand, China has become an important strategic market for Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp enterprises. In the future, with the continuous expansion of consumer groups and the increasing maturity of market cultivation, this "Arctic sensation" is expected to perform even more brilliantly in the Chinese market, writing a new chapter in Sino-foreign seafood trade.