The EU approves duty-free quotas for Norwegian fish imports

A new agreement has been reached between Norway and the EU, establishing duty-free import quotas for a variety of fish and seafood products, including frozen and chilled herring, fishmeal, pickled herring, frozen shrimp, gutted and smoked salmon, and various fish fillets. The agreement is retroactive, covering periods from May 2021 to January 2025, and offers Norwegian exporters the opportunity to make up for lost time by utilizing unused quotas. This deal is crucial for Norway, a leading fish and seafood producer, as it provides economic advantages and enhances the nation's international standing. The EU stands to gain from this agreement as well, with potential benefits such as lower domestic fish prices, a wider range of products, and increased market diversity. However, the introduction of more Norwegian imports might spark concerns among local EU fish producers, underscoring the importance of maintaining strict regulation and quality control to ensure fair competition and consumer protection.

What does the new agreement include? The quotas concern various types of fish and seafood, including: - frozen herring and other fish; - frozen and chilled herring fillets; - fishmeal; - pickled herring; - frozen shrimp (both peeled and in the shell); - gutted and smoked salmon; - fresh and chilled fish, as well as frozen, chilled and fresh fish fillets. Interestingly, the agreement is retroactive, meaning that the volumes that could not be imported from May 2021 to January 2025 will be reallocated for the remainder of the document. This creates additional opportunities for Norwegian exporters, who will be able to take advantage of unused quotas. Importance for Norway Norway is one of the world's leading producers of fish and seafood, and the EU market is a key market for Norwegian exporters. According to Norway's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Marianne Sivertsen Næss, the new duty-free import quotas are vital for the country's economy. They will not only increase export ...