Vietnam consumes nearly 8,000 tons of Norwegian salmon, leading growth in Southeast Asia.
In 2025, Vietnam imported approximately 7,900 tons of Norwegian salmon, a 40% increase compared to the previous year, making it the fastest-growing market for the country in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam is asserting its position as a key market for Norwegian salmon in Southeast Asia. According to data released on March 25th by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), the volume of fresh salmon exported to Vietnam in 2025 has reached a record high of approximately 7,900 tons, representing a 40% increase compared to 2024.
Consumer demand has skyrocketed over the years.
The increasing demand for Norwegian salmon in the Vietnamese market is clearly demonstrated by the statistics. In just three years, the volume of imported fresh salmon has increased from 6,281 tons in 2023 to nearly 7,900 tons in 2025, equivalent to a 26% increase.
Notably, this trend continued strongly in the early months of 2026. By the end of February 2026, exports of fresh Norwegian salmon to Vietnam increased by 16% in volume compared to the same period last year. In particular, the frozen salmon segment recorded an impressive growth of up to 37%, indicating expanding demand in both retail and food service channels.
Driving forces from macroeconomic factors and consumer habits.
According to analysis from NSC, the boom in the Vietnamese market stems from a positive macroeconomic foundation and a shift in consumer habits. The preference for premium foods with transparent origins and sustainable standards has made Norwegian salmon a familiar ingredient in daily meals.
Forecasts for 2026 indicate that the market still has significant room for growth as the economy maintains its recovery momentum and real household spending in Vietnam is expected to increase by 7.2%. This provides a crucial foundation for high-quality imported seafood products to continue expanding their market share.
Strategic expansion and cooperation plan
Ms. Åshild Nakken, Director of NSC Southeast Asia, stated that the focus for 2026 will be on strengthening cooperation with trade partners in Vietnam. NSC will intensify communication campaigns on the nutritional value and brand of "Seafood from Norway," while also implementing in-depth training programs for all links in the supply chain.
Furthermore, promotional activities at the Food & Hospitality Vietnam 2026 exhibition are expected to open up many new trade opportunities. This event also contributes to strengthening bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Norway.
