Norwegian salmon exports have experienced significant growth in recent years, with airfreight playing a crucial role in reaching distant markets swiftly. In January 2025 alone, Norway exported over NOK 1 billion / $88.9 million worth of salmon to the United States, marking a new record in value.

So the mood music from the White House is giving Norwegian salmon producers significant concern over potential US tariffs on their exports. Recent market reactions have underscored these apprehensions; for instance, shares of Norwegian salmon companies fell by 3% amid fears that the US might extend a 25% tariff, initially targeting Canadian seafood, to European products as well.

Industry leaders are actively seeking strategies to mitigate the potential effects of such tariffs. One approach under consideration is establishing processing operations within the US. By doing so, companies could argue that their products contribute to American jobs, potentially making them less susceptible to import tariffs. This will actively lead to a fall in the need for airfreight across the North Atlantic.

The Norwegian government is also taking steps to address these concerns. Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg emphasised the importance of preventing trade restrictions and expressed intentions to leverage his international experience to maintain favourable trade relations with the US.

Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains high. The possibility of tariffs has led companies like First Seafood to closely monitor the situation, acknowledging that such trade barriers could complicate their export plans, especially for facilities in the early stages of production.

Current state of Norwegian salmon airfreight

Airfreight is essential for transporting fresh Norwegian salmon to markets worldwide, especially those requiring rapid delivery to maintain product freshness. Oslo Gardermoen Airport serves as a central hub for these operations, with numerous cargo airlines facilitating the swift movement of salmon to destinations such as the US, Asia and Europe.

In 2023, approximately 264,408 tonnes of salmon were exported from Norway by air, with the US, importing around 60,604 tonnes, averaging 1,165 tonnes per week. Other significant markets include China, South Korea and Japan.

Beyond traditional European markets, Norwegian salmon exporters are expanding into Middle East and Asia. This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with dependence on a single market and capitalises on the growing global demand for seafood.

To enhance efficiency, new air cargo services have been established, reducing transit times. For example, certain services now deliver salmon to the US up to 72 hours faster than before.

The Norwegian salmon industry’s reliance on airfreight has enabled it to meet global demand effectively. While the sector benefits from increased exports and market diversification, it must navigate environmental challenges and potential trade policy shifts. Ongoing vigilance and strategic planning are essential to maintain and enhance Norway’s position in the global salmon market.

From airfreight to seafreight

Ironically, any fall in Norwegian airfreight activity arising from US exports that are not taken up by other markets, could equal that generated by Hofseth International developing a state-of-the-art seafood handling system with a refreshing facility on the US East Coast to serve as its hub.

As part of its plan to ditch its use of airfreight, the Alesund, Norway-based salmon and trout farmer and processor is developing a freezing and defrosting system that allows it to deliver high-quality fish products to the US via ocean freight.

Hofseth’s Icefresh Technology “can release a lot of opportunity,” Hofseth Chief Technology Officer Anders Haugland told SeafoodSource at the 2024 Seafood Expo North America in March in Boston, Massachusetts.

“We think that flying seafood across oceans is not a good idea,” Haugland said. “Our refresh programme, where we freeze, transport, and thaw on demand, improves quality, saves a lot of CO2, and actually has a cost benefit for our clients by reducing waste.”

In 2022, Hofseth flew 2,479 tonnes of fish from Europe to the US, resulting in 32,455 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

“Despite accounting for only 4.63% of our transported volume, airfreight contributes to a staggering 81% of our transport-related emissions,” the company said in its 2022 Sustainability Report. “This stark contrast underscores the critical need for optimising and exploring alternative modes of transport to achieve our sustainability goals.”

Hofseth’s Icefresh system freezes its salmon immediately after it is slaughtered. Hofseth has been a leader in technology development and creating a holistic and sustainable value chain within seafood. For example, sister company Hofseth Biocare is known for pioneering the 100% utilisation of the fish for human consumption. The IceFresh technology has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the value chain.

“Long term, we will have many hubs around the world that can be used by all players, and for other types of fish than only salmon and trout. This is a solution which can give the whole seafood industry a sustainable boost.” says Hofseth.

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