Core Insights - The article highlights the growing popularity of salmon in China, which has become the largest export market for Norwegian fresh salmon in Asia, surpassing Japan and South Korea for the first time in 2023 [1][2] - The demand for salmon in China is driven by its nutritional value, as it is recognized as a high-quality protein source in the 2022 Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents [1][3] - Norway has established itself as a leading exporter of salmon, with significant production and export figures, while facing challenges related to environmental sustainability and health concerns in salmon farming [11][24] Group 1: Market Dynamics - In 2022, China consumed approximately 120,000 tons of salmon but only produced 40,000 tons, leading to a significant import gap of 80,000 tons [1] - By April 2025, China's import of fresh salmon exceeded 40,000 tons, marking a year-on-year increase of 38% [1] - Norway's salmon exports reached a historical high in 2023, with 120,000 tons valued at approximately $12.1 billion, accounting for 71% of all seafood exports [11] Group 2: Production and Farming Practices - The Atlantic salmon, primarily farmed in Norway, thrives in cold, clean waters, which contribute to its quality and taste [4][6] - Norway's salmon farming industry has evolved significantly since the late 1960s, transitioning from wild catch to commercial farming, with production increasing from 46 tons in 1972 to 120,000 tons in 2023 [10][11] - The industry has faced issues such as overproduction and environmental concerns, leading to the implementation of management systems to control salmon farming practices [24][25] Group 3: Environmental and Health Concerns - The intensive farming of salmon has raised concerns about the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and the impact of sea lice, which have led to significant mortality rates among farmed salmon [20][21][23] - Reports indicate that 19% of Norwegian farmed salmon died due to sea lice infestations in the 2015-2016 period, prompting the industry to seek solutions to manage these challenges [21][24] - The Norwegian government has introduced regulations to reduce the use of harmful substances in salmon farming, although challenges remain in effectively managing environmental impacts [25][24] Group 4: China's Salmon Industry - China primarily cultivates rainbow trout, which is often marketed as salmon, and has been expanding its aquaculture since 1959 [26][28] - The environmental risks associated with freshwater farming are lower compared to marine farming, with recent advancements in feed technology reducing costs by 21% [30][32] - The production of rainbow trout in Qinghai Province has seen significant growth, with output increasing from over 500 tons in 2010 to nearly 15,000 tons in 2023 [32]