Made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of made up fishing nets in Norway fell sharply in volume from 19 655 t to 3 635 t in 2020 before recovering to 4 658 t in 2021. In value terms, however, production grew consistently from $61.8 million to $131.7 million, indicating a significant rise in per‑tonne cost. This shift coincided with the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted the seafood industry, lowered margins on fresh fillet and raised demand for frozen products, likely reducing short‑term demand for nets in volume while accelerating a move toward higher‑value, specialized gear.

Market size in volume dropped from 22 145 t in 2018 to 7 715 t in 2020, then rose to 9 237 t in 2021, whereas in value it expanded steadily from $86.2 million to $163.0 million. Growing consumer focus on sustainability and environmental concerns, noted from 2022 onward, began influencing demand, possibly supporting the shift to more expensive nets. Import volumes remained relatively stable between 6 000 t and 8 000 t through 2025, but their value increased from $44.4 million to $68.2 million, mirroring the trend toward higher‑priced products.

By 2024‑2025, regulatory changes directly affected the fishing‑net market. The Fiskeridirektoratet introduced new gear‑design rules, including mandatory square‑mesh cod‑ends for vessels under 11 meters from May 2025, which may alter demand for specific net types. Simultaneously, systems for collecting and recycling used nets were established, promoting a circular economy. These measures, together with fishing quotas and zero‑catch zones, aim to enhance sustainability and are likely to reinforce the transition to more durable and environmentally adapted nets.

Production made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Norway's production of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 131.7 million US dollars, marking a 34.8% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 113.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 28.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After a two-year decline, Norway's production of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials rebounded. In 2021, output totaled 4 658 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 28.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 76.3%, with an average annual decrease of 38.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 635 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 at 67.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials from Norway

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Norway's exports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials amounted to 2 649 tonnes, showing a significant 12.5% decline from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 27.5%, with an average annual reduction of 10.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 20.6%, followed by an increase in 2020 of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Russia, and Spain were the key partners for Norway's exports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in volume terms. Lithuania accounted for 47.1% of exports, Russia for 16.1%, and Spain for 11.5%, together representing 74.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Norway's export value of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 25 760 thousand US dollars, a moderate 8.5% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 28.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Russia, and Spain continued to lead as the top buyers of Norway's made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in value terms. Lithuania held 31.1% of exports, Russia 25.2%, and Spain 12.1%, collectively accounting for 68.4% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway's imports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 7 227 tonnes, up by 1.7% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 17.6%, with an average annual growth of 5.6%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 6 049 tonnes, which saw a 1.6% decline, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, China, and India remained the primary sources for Norway's imports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in volume terms. Lithuania contributed 31.3% of imports, China 20.9%, and India 20.3%, together making up 72.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's import value of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 57 072 thousand US dollars, a 16.2% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 28.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 42 230 thousand US dollars, which saw a 5.0% decline, while the largest increase was in 2020 at 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Norway's imports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in value terms were Lithuania, India, and China, together accounting for 63.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021