Norwegian Exports Climb in September as China Buoys Salmon Demand, US Fresh Sales Slip

Norwegian seafood exports posted robust numbers in September, buoyed by both rising prices and strong demand, particularly for salmon shipped to China, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, credited higher prices for mackerel, cod, saithe and king crab to go along with the strong growth in the Chinese market.

"The EU is still our largest overall market, but Norway is now taking an increasing share of the growing Chinese salmon and prawn market...

New Brunswick’s Bolero Shellfish Hit with Record Fine; Barred a Decade from Temporary Worker Program

New Brunswick seafood company, Bolero Shellfish Processing, will pay a CAD 1 million ($716,000) fine for non-compliance with Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The punishment also includes a 10-year ban from the program, making it the largest penalty ever issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

ESDC said the fine was put in place in September. While the statement from the department didn’t specifically mention Bolero Shellfish Processing, a government registry cited the company along with the historic penalty...

Hokkaido Scallop Landings Anticipated to Decrease by 17% to 336,400 Tons Amid Slowing US Exports

According to the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, the planned scallop catch for the production year 2025 (April 2025 to March 2026) in Hokkaido is expected to fall below the 400,000 ton mark for the first time in six years, down 17% from the previous year to 336,400 tons, due to significant production declines in the Funka Bay region (Muroran and Hakodate) and the Okhotsk region (Wakkanai and Kitami), the Minato Shimbun reported.

New scallop adductor production falls; large sizes are scarce...

Four September Storms Batter Farms, Fields Across Philippines, Vietnam, and South China

Four storms — Typhoons Ragasa (Nando) and Bualoi (Opong) and Tropical Storm Mitag (Mirasol) in the Philippine Sea, and Typhoon Tapah (Lannie) in the South China Sea — swept through the region in September, damaging rice, corn, coconut, and strawberry crops, as well as fish and livestock farms, while disrupting supply chains and transport routes, said Demelza Knight, Weather and Crop Researcher at Expana.   

Knight highlighted that Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest of the storms, formed in the Philippine Sea on September 18

Marine Carbon Removal, a Key Process to Reduce Ocean Acidification, Launches in Port Angeles, WA

Ocean acidification (OA) is caused as more of the rising atmospheric carbon dioxide is dissolved into seawater, shifting the chemical make up of the ocean and threatening marine economies, ecosystems, and organisms from shellfish to coral reefs. 

OA has hit Washington State particularly hard. Nearly 30% of species in Puget Sound are vulnerable to its effects. The state’s shellfish industry — worth more than $270 million annually and supporting 3,200+ jobs — faces real risks as increasing acidity makes it harder for oysters, clams...

Onda Expands Tenacibaculum Study Models to Better Support Aquaculture Health Worldwide

In March 2024, Onda was first to market with their Tenacibaculosis Challenge Model, providing groundbreaking research models to impact real-world outcomes. Today, Onda, the largest aquatic containment facility in aquaculture research, announced the launch of two new disease study models to their extensive suite of models for Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi and Tenacibaculum finnmarkense. These additions compliment Onda’s challenge model offerings, providing reliable, science-driven tools to address Tenacibaculum, one of the most pressing bacterial challenges in global aquaculture...

Gorton's Opens New Factory as Nissui Expands North American Seafood Footprint

Gorton's, a leading North American seafood brand and subsidiary of Japan's Nissui Group, has opened a new factory in Lebanon, Indiana, marking a significant expansion of Nissui's North American operations and reinforcing its global growth strategy.

Gorton's Gloucester, Massachusetts, facility will remain its primary production site, while the Indiana factory will increase its capacity to meet growing demand. The new facility will also allow the company to produce further value-added products and improve production lines, allowing for increased "supply chain flexibility...

Vertical Cold Storage's Strategic Expansion with First Customs Bonded Warehouse

In today's global trade environment, customs bonded warehousing has become increasingly appealing to businesses seeking financial flexibility.

Tariffs can significantly inflate costs, but by deferring duties until products are sold in the US market or re-exported, companies can optimize cash flow and gain strategic operational advantages.

Vertical Cold Storage, a leader in cold storage and logistics for the food and beverage industry, is marking an achievement with the full licensing of its first customs bonded warehouse.

The company strategically chose to expand at its...

New Report From FMI Reveals a Significant Shift in Consumer Dining Habits

A new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) uncovers a significant shift in dining habits.

The study shows that consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals.

The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 examines the factors influencing consumer motivation for choosing deli-prepared options, offering insights from the consumer's perspective on foodservice at retail.

Data from the report revealed that 53% of Americans now take a hybrid approach to creating meals; combining deli-prepared options with other items...

Grieg Seafood: Expansion of Post-smolt Facility Tytlandsvik Aqua

Grieg Seafood is pleased to announce that Tytlandsvik Aqua is initiating its planned expansion with the development of Halls 5 and 6 at the post-smolt facility, starting building work in March 2026. The aim is to have the first smolt installations in Hall 5 by August 2027 and in Hall 6 by September 2028.

AKVA group will continue as equipment supplier to ensure standardized technology at the facility...

Amazon Rolls Out Private Label Grocery Brand with Seafood Range

Amazon has entered the private label space with a splash. The company debuted Amazon Grocery, a private label brand featuring over 1,000 food items, including seafood, at the start of the month.

The company said the new private label brand will unite customer favorite Amazon Fresh and Happy Belly brands into one collection, available on both Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh stores.

"With Amazon Grocery, we're simplifying how customers discover and shop our extensive private label food selection while maintaining the quality and value our customers expect and deserve...

NMFS Extends Northeast Multispecies Emergency Measures to Protect New England Groundfish Industry

On October 3, NOAA Fisheries signed a temporary rule that extended emergency management measures for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery through April 30, 2026.

The rule will allow for the continued operation of the Northeast groundfish sector during the 2025 fishing year.

The emergency rule, first published by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on May 2, 2025, was designed to prevent interruption to a fishery critical to New England’s economy. If not extended, measures would have expired on October 28, potentially halting operations and causing significant economic...

Warming Oceans May Pose a Serious Threat to American Lobsters

The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the world's oceans, raising concerns for its $2 billion-a-year American lobster fishery. Scientists at William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS have been studying the impacts of ocean acidification and warming on lobster reproduction, and the results of their most recent research suggest the rising temperatures pose the greatest risk.

Utilizing a purpose-built experimental facility designed by Professor Emily Rivest and housed in the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS...

Trump Teases Lula Meeting; Implications for Global Beef, Coffee Markets

On October 6, US President Trump teased an upcoming meeting with the Brazilian President via Truth Social. The current tariff expense for doing trade between the two countries has reorganized the flow of beef and stifled coffee trade, for example. Individuals involved in these markets and beyond are waiting to see if US tariffs on Brazil will be revised.

“This morning, I had a very good telephone call with President Lula, of Brazil. We discussed many things, but it was mostly focused on the Economy, and Trade, between..."

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

...

On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action. 

Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...

ICES Slashes Atlantic Mackerel Quota by 70%, Severely Impacts the Japanese Market

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, on September 30th, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommended that the 2026 catch of Atlantic mackerel in the Northeast Atlantic be reduced by 70% from the 2025 figure of 576,958 tons to 174,357 tons. This is the lowest recommended quota since 1998. In Japan, the largest export market for Norway, the sales price has already reached a record high of 880 yen/kg ($5.87/kg)...

Today's Top Story: Norwegian Exports Climb in September as China Buoys Salmon Demand, US Fresh Sales Slip

In today’s top story, Norway’s seafood exports climbed in September, driven by higher prices for key species and a sharp boost in salmon and prawn demand from China, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council. Salmon shipments to the US fell 5% in value for Q3, as tariffs and a weaker dollar slowed fresh sales...

Tough Conditions in Tasmania Meet Ace Aquatec Biomass Tech, Petuna Signs Multi-Camera Deal

Ace Aquatec’s groundbreaking underwater camera, A-BIOMASS®, has beat the competition in low light conditions and is set to transform the way salmon is farmed in Tasmania, according to salmonid producer, Petuna.

Petuna, one of Australia's major salmon and ocean trout farmers, operates in the Tamar River estuary at Rowella and in Macquarie Harbour. Both sites present challenges for any technology, from highly conditioned fish adapted to local environments to tannin rich waters with low light levels...

Bering Sea Snow and Tanner Crab Quotas Nearly Double Due to Increasing Biomass

New crab quotas in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands have risen for the third year in a row after the two-year closure in 2021 and 2022. For Bering Sea snow crab, the annual quota for this season is 9.3 million pounds (lbs), up 97% from last year’s 4.7 million pounds.  

Bering Sea bairdi Tanner crab quota is up 79% to 11.25 million pounds, compared to 6.2 million pounds last year.  

The Bristol Bay red king crab quota took a modest 16% jump to 2.68 million...

Expana Announces Agri-Food Europe 2026: The Industry Event for Market and Procurement Strategy

Expana, the world’s largest food and agriculture price reporting agency (PRA) and market intelligence provider, announces the return of Agri-Food Europe, taking place February, 25-26, 2026, at the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam.   

Building on a successful 2025 edition that united over 300 senior executives across buying, selling, finance, sourcing, and supply chain roles, Agri-Food Europe 2026 stands as the strategic industry event for global leaders in the food and agriculture commodity markets. 

The event delivers two days of critical market insight

The Retail Rundown: Strategic Promotions Boost October Protein Opportunities

October offers a strategic window for retailers to tap into increased consumer demand for protein, thanks to the alignment of seasonal supply, promotional campaigns, and competitive pricing.

National Pork Month, observed this month, coincides with a peak in pork production—averaging about 2.5 billion pounds over the past five years, up nearly 9% from September.

This seasonal surplus enables retailers to run targeted promotions that pair attractive pricing with educational content, driving both consumer engagement and sales...

Cod Farmer Ode Appoints Anders Wilhelmsen as Commercial Director Amid International Growth Push

Norwegian cod farmer Ode named Anders Tofte Wilhelmsen as its new Commercial Director as the company sets its sights on “international expansion, strengthened market presence, and a sharpened focus on value creation.”

Wilhelmsen enters the role with experience in both the seafood and consumer goods sectors. He previously served as Head of Sustainability and Marketing at Milarex and has previously held the role of Group CMO at Cermaq, alongside key positions in fast-moving consumer goods.

The appointment of Wilhelmsen signified...

2025 Industry Insights on Consumer Resilience and Holiday Shopping Trends From ICSC

In 2025, the world continues to navigate challenges like the fluctuating job market, food inflation, politics and tariffs.

Amid these uncertainties, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is dedicated to supporting and enhancing marketplaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather, viewing them as vital to both communities and economies.

The company has released its 2025 Holiday Shopping Intentions survey, highlighting consumer resilience in seeking value and experiences despite individual financial obstacles.

The survey indicates an anticipated 3.5-4% growth in retail...

Seafood Chain Long John Silver's Swaps Iconic Fish for Chicken in New Logo

Long John Silver’s, a long-time seafood chain, has moved chicken to the front and center.

The company revealed a new logo that replaces its signature fish logo with a chicken and features a new “CHICKEN + SEAFOOD" lock-up.

The new redesign will be rolled out across its digital platforms and will be unveiled further on the Long John Silver's Front Row Motorsports car during the South Point 400.

"Guests have been telling us for years that our chicken is a best-kept secret...

Russia Eyes India as Key Market for Seafood Exports

Russia hopes to make India one of its major markets for fish and seafood in the coming years, driven by strong bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. The share of Russian fish in India has been minimal so far due to high import duties, but this could change soon. 

Both countries are currently negotiating a free trade agreement that would support increased Russian fish exports to India. The deal aligns with Russia’s plan to nearly double total fish exports by 2030, from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $8.5 billion...

Norwegian Land-based Farmer Salmon Evolution Reports Record Biomass and Stable Operations in Q3

Norwegian land-based salmon farmer Salmon Evolution reported stable operations, minimal mortality and an all-time high biomass production in its third-quarter operational summary.

The company reported a harvest of 1,386 metric tons HOG with an all-in price realization of roughly NOK 61/kg ($6.15). Harvest weights were also 20% higher than in Q2 2025.

Salmon Evolution has reported increased biomass production for five quarters in a row. It also currently has a fully stocked...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

ANALYSIS: Review of Norwegian Farmed Salmon Biomass, Harvest Trends, and Price Movements

The total biomass of farmed Atlantic salmon at sea in Norway has exceeded the biomass recorded by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries from January to July last year. However, in August, the live fish stock declined due to substantial harvest activity during late spring and summer. This led to a sustained reduction in the number of live fish and, consequently, total biomass in the sea pen...

Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers Statement on Passing of Leslie Hughes

The Wild Alaska Pollock industry and the members, associate members and staff at the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) join our colleagues in the seafood industry in expressing our deepest sympathy at the loss of Leslie Hughes, formerly of North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association (NPFVOA). Leslie had faithfully, passionately and lovingly served the fishing community, including the Wild Alaska Pollock fishermen and crew, working to ensure their safety at sea...

Today's Top Story: Bering Sea Snow and Tanner Crab Quotas Nearly Double Due to Increasing Biomass

In today's top story, Alaska and federal fisheries managers have nearly doubled quotas for Bering Sea snow crab (up 97% to 9.3 million lbs.) and Tanner crab (up 79% to 11.25 million lbs.), reflecting strong biomass gains after previous closures. The Bristol Bay Red King crab quota also sees a modest 16% increase...