The United States has officially imposed a 15% tariff on Norwegian goods, matching the rate previously introduced for the European Union. The measure, announced by President Donald Trump and published on the White House website late Thursday night, will take effect on 7 August. The tariff increase is part of a broader shift in USA trade policy aimed at addressing what the Trump administration describes as persistent trade imbalances.
Until recently, the effective tariff rate on Norwegian exports to the USA was about 1%, according to Ola Grytten, an economist at the Norwegian School of Economics. The sharp rise will now affect a wide range of goods, with a notable impact on seafood, machinery, and offshore technology.
Seafood sector among the hardest hit
Norway’s seafood exports, especially salmon, are among the most exposed sectors. In 2024 alone, Norway exported seafood worth over NOK 10 billion (approx. €870 million) to the US. The new 15% tariff exceeds the 10% duty applied to British seafood, raising concerns of unfair competition.
Industry groups such as the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) warn that the change will not only affect Norwegian businesses but also increase costs for American consumers. “This is a new trade regime that will harm all parties involved,” said NHO director Ole Erik Almlid.
Government response: talks continue, outcome uncertain
Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry (Næringsministeren), Cecilie Myrseth, confirmed that Oslo is still engaged in negotiations with Washington. “We are not there yet,” she stated, describing the talks as “constructive but demanding”. The Norwegian government had anticipated the move but had hoped to reach a bilateral agreement before the tariffs were formalised.
Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg echoed these concerns, calling the development “unfortunate” and a sign that “we live in uncertain times”. While the current US tariff will remain in place, some countries like Mexico have secured temporary exemptions through parallel negotiations. No such relief has been granted to Norway.
Limited but strategic exposure
Despite the high-profile reaction, the USA represents only 3.5% of Norway’s total exports. In 2024, Norwegian exports to the USA were valued at around NOK 62 billion (approx. €5.4 billion), while imports from the USA exceeded NOK 82 billion (approx. €7.1 billion).
Key Norwegian exports include industrial machinery, energy sector equipment, and specialised valves and pumps. The offshore industry, tightly integrated with the US oil and gas market, could experience delays and increased costs. Conversely, USA exports to Norway—mainly aerospace components, pharmaceuticals, and IT equipment—are not currently subject to equivalent Norwegian measures.
