Historical archive

170 semi-trailers full of fish to the EU

Historical archive

Published under: Solberg's Government

Publisher: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

"Every year more than 1.3 million tonnes of seafood are sent from Norway to the EU. That is equivalent to 170 fully loaded semi-trailers every day throughout the whole year. During the first three months of the year, a new record was set for seafood exports. The trend is only going in one direction; the demand for Norwegian fish is increasing," says Minister of Fisheries Elisabeth Aspaker.

The Minister of Fisheries will be going to Brussels on Monday to attend the world's largest seafood trade event. At the close of the first quarter this year, seafood exports to the EU amounted to NOK 11.6 billion. That is an increase of over 10 per cent relative to the same period in the previous year.

"There is a great potential for growth in the seafood industry, but there are also challenges that must be resolved. Norwegian seafood faces high customs duty rates and burdensome customs quotas in the EU. When more people would like to buy Norwegian seafood, it is important to simplify trade cooperation and ensure better market access," says Minister of Fisheries Elisabeth Aspaker.

During her visit to Brussels, Minister of Fisheries Aspaker shall take part in several meetings and attend the Seafood Trade Fair and the Seafood Council's conference, where she will discuss the growth potential of the seafood industry.