Singapore gets most of its salmon from overseas, with Norway and Chile serving different parts of the market.
Norway is Singapore’s main source of fresh and chilled salmon, particularly farmed Atlantic salmon. Chile is the dominant source of frozen Atlantic salmon, making both countries important to Singapore’s salmon supply.
In 2024, Norway exported approximately 5.26 million kg of fresh and chilled salmon to Singapore, far ahead of other suppliers.
For frozen Atlantic salmon, Singapore imported approximately 654,000 kg from Chile in 2024, representing almost all imports within that category.
Where Does Singapore Import Fresh Salmon From?
Norway
Norway is by far Singapore’s largest source of fresh and chilled salmon.
In 2024, Norway exported approximately 5.26 million kg worth US$49 million of fresh and chilled Pacific, Atlantic and Danube salmon to Singapore.
Norway is one of the world’s largest producers of farmed Atlantic salmon, which makes Norwegian salmon widely available across Singapore in supermarkets, seafood retailers, restaurants, hotels and food distribution businesses.
Singapore Food Agency records also list SFA-licensed suppliers approved to supply Norwegian whole salmon and salmon fillets for ready-to-eat use in Singapore.
Does Singapore Get Salmon From Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Australia and New Zealand are also important sources of salmon, although their volumes are considerably smaller than Norway.
In 2024, fresh and chilled salmon exports to Singapore included approximately:
- Norway: 5.26 million kg
- United Kingdom: 540,000 kg
- Australia: 520,000 kg
- New Zealand: 136,000 kg
- Iceland: 63,000 kg
- Canada: 39,000 kg
This shows how dominant Norway remains in Singapore’s fresh salmon market.
Australia is particularly known for farmed Atlantic salmon from Tasmania, while New Zealand is well known for Chinook or King salmon, offering alternatives to Norwegian Atlantic salmon.
Where Does Singapore Get Frozen Salmon From?
Chile
Chile is Singapore’s largest source of frozen Atlantic salmon.
Singapore imported approximately 654,000 kg of frozen Atlantic salmon from Chile in 2024, worth about US$5.6 million.
By comparison, volumes from other countries in the same category were relatively small.
Chile is also a major supplier of frozen Pacific salmon. Trade data shows that Chile was the leading exporter of frozen Pacific salmon to Singapore in 2024.
This makes Chile particularly important to Singapore’s frozen salmon supply.
Norwegian Salmon vs Chilean Salmon
Both Norway and Chile are major producers of farmed Atlantic salmon, but their salmon often reaches the Singapore market in different forms.
Norwegian salmon is particularly dominant in the fresh and chilled market, while Chilean salmon has a much stronger presence in frozen salmon.
This does not necessarily mean one is better than the other. Quality can vary according to the farm, processing method, grade, handling, freezing process and cold-chain management.
For consumers and F&B businesses, the choice between fresh Norwegian salmon and frozen Chilean salmon often depends on intended use, price, shelf life and product requirements.
Is Salmon Farmed in Singapore?
Singapore currently relies overwhelmingly on imported salmon.
Producing Atlantic salmon locally is challenging because salmon require cold-water conditions that Singapore does not naturally provide.
Land-based recirculating aquaculture systems have been proposed as a way to farm salmon in tropical countries. However, Singapore RAS currently lists its Singapore salmon farming project as dormant, while its related Taiwan project remains active.
Imported salmon therefore continues to supply Singapore’s commercial market.
Why Does Singapore Import So Much Salmon?
Singapore has limited natural conditions for salmon farming and imports more than 90% of its overall food supply.
To strengthen food resilience, Singapore maintains a diversified network of food suppliers around the world. In 2025, Singapore sourced food from more than 180 countries and regions.
For salmon specifically, this means Singapore can source different varieties and product forms from Norway, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other approved suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Singapore get most of its salmon from?
Norway is Singapore’s largest source of fresh and chilled salmon. In 2024, Norway exported approximately 5.26 million kg of fresh and chilled salmon to Singapore.
Does Singapore get salmon from Norway?
Yes. Norway is the dominant supplier of fresh and chilled salmon to Singapore and is particularly important for farmed Atlantic salmon.
Does Singapore import salmon from Chile?
Yes. Chile is Singapore’s main source of frozen Atlantic salmon. Singapore imported approximately 654,000 kg of frozen Atlantic salmon from Chile in 2024.
Is Singapore salmon from Norway or Chile?
It can be from either. Fresh and chilled salmon is predominantly sourced from Norway, while much of Singapore’s frozen Atlantic salmon comes from Chile.
Singapore also imports smaller quantities from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries.
What type of salmon is commonly sold in Singapore?
Farmed Atlantic salmon is one of the most commonly available types of salmon in Singapore, particularly salmon sourced from Norway and Chile. Consumers can also find varieties such as New Zealand King salmon and other speciality salmon products.
Does Singapore produce its own salmon?
Singapore currently relies predominantly on imports for its salmon supply. Commercial salmon farming is difficult locally because Atlantic salmon require colder water conditions than Singapore naturally provides.
