India has seen a significant increase in its imports of Norwegian salmon, particularly frozen fillets, with shipments rising more than fourfold in volume during the January-August 2026 period. Data from the Norwegian Seafood Council indicates that total salmon exports to India reached 355 tonnes, valued at approximately $2.7 million, a substantial jump from 146 tonnes worth around $1.1 million a year prior.
Frozen Fillets Drive Growth
Frozen salmon fillets were a primary driver of this growth, accounting for about $1 million of the total exports. Fresh whole salmon followed, bringing in approximately $870,000. Interestingly, the average export price for frozen fillets decreased to NOK 117.5 per kg (around $12.1 per kg) from NOK 150.6 per kg (around $15.5 per kg) in the previous year, even as volumes soared. In contrast, the average price for fresh whole salmon saw a 7% year-on-year increase, reaching NOK 76.8 per kg (around $7.9 per kg).
Impact of India-EFTA Trade Agreement
This surge in imports coincides with India's implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The TEPA, signed on March 10, 2024, came into effect on October 1, 2025.
Under this agreement, India has committed to tariff concessions on 82.7% of its tariff lines, covering 95.3% of EFTA exports. For Norwegian seafood, import duties on fresh whole salmon and salmon fillets are being gradually reduced from a base rate of 33% to zero over a five-year period. Frozen whole salmon, however, received immediate zero-duty access upon the agreement's entry into force. While the export data does not definitively link the increase solely to tariff concessions, the timing suggests a strong correlation with the new trade framework.