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When exporting to Norway, there’s a lot that U.S. exporters need to consider. Whether it’s your first time or you have some practice. It’s important to know that Norway is a diverse, educated, and wealthy nation in Europe, which is ripe for American exported goods.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), exports to Norway from the U.S. account for around $4 billion annually and ranks 48th as an export market for the U.S. Goods exported from the U.S. to Norway do not benefit from a free trade agreement like exports to other EU countries.
Want to know more about shipping goods to Norway? Are you unsure what to look for and how the process is handled? Look no further; our guide below will get you pointed in the right direction.
Norway is currently the 44th largest market for goods imported from the United States. It is a modern democracy that enjoys the latest in comforts and technology. The economy in Norway is 31st in the world, 38th in exports and imports, and is ranked 7th in gross domestic product (GDP).
Currently, the U.S. exports around $4.19 Billion in goods to Norway annually as of 2020. On the other hand, Norway has $3.64 Billion in goods exported to the U.S. This clearly indicates an incredibly healthy trade relationship between the two nations.
However, there is massive room for export growth into Norway, precisely since the U.S. is one of the world's largest producers of Norway's most popular imports. As a business, it is essential to consider what exports are hot and what are not.
Norway imports a variety of goods like:
Norway exports a variety of goods like:
The Norwegian landscape, in terms of a place to export your goods, is fantastic. There is an incredible amount of bilateral trade between the U.S. and Norway. Where the U.S. typically exports machinery, Norway exports seafood.
Norway is an advanced and high-income nation within Scandinavia, also known as the Nordic region of Europe. There is an innate synergy between the U.S. and Norway in terms of trade that is already in place and new opportunities in the future.
Norway currently enjoys free trade agreements with the European Economic Area (EEA) and bilateral free trade agreements with 41 countries. The United States, on the other hand, does not share a free trade agreement with Norway.
However, the lack of a free trade agreement with the U.S. does not dismiss the incredibly healthy relationship between these two allies in world affairs and trade. The U.S. has a decent trade balance with Norway regarding exports and imports.
US Exports to Norway
US Imports from Norway
Also, trade services should be considered when discussing the state of trade agreements or relations. Exported services to Norway have a higher revenue ceiling than imported services from Norway.
As of 2019, the value of exported services in Norway was hovering around $5.5 to $6 billion annually. Whereas the estimated import for Norwegian services is far less. Regardless of no free trade agreement with the U.S., the demand for American goods and services is at an all-time high.
Most, if not all, Norwegians are fluent in English, which is a significant win in terms of being able to establish and maintain a good dialogue. The Norwegians also have a near identical business ethic which makes for smooth business relations between the U.S. and Norway.
Norway has a free, open market with specific government controls. The government controls areas of interest such as petroleum and has a controlling interest in large-scale businesses housed or controlled within the government.
Examples of Norwegian owned Enterprises in Healthcare:
Examples of Norwegian owned Enterprises in Petroleum:
Are you considering exporting goods to Norway? Well, you can rest assured Norway is one of the best foreign countries to export goods to in the modern era. According to the annual report published by the World Bank, Norway is the 9th easiest country to trade with the world.
Along with being a prosperous and modernized nation, Norway has one of the highest purchasing power parity per capita. Norwegians, as a whole, are generally highly educated and are not afraid to spend money on American goods and services.
According to the FM Global Index, the Norwegian economy is labeled as one of the single most resilient economies in the world. New or existing businesses looking to do business in Norway should have no issues or worries about the resiliency of customers in Norway.
In summary, your export business will have an excellent chance of success and prosperity in Norway. A cargo export consultant can help you identify and execute the best options for exporting your goods.
Norway enjoys a very robust import market with exceptional trade relations with the US. Norway has several popular imports to consider if you are considering exporting goods into the country. Although Norway primarily trades with Europe, the U.S. is still a strong trade ally in the world market.
In general terms, Norway imports many different commodities from all over the world. However, circumstances like available supply and whether or not a trade agreement is in place may sway Norwegians into importing from specific countries.
| Commodity | Value |
| Refined Petroleum | $68 Million |
| Aviation Parts | $58 Million |
| Acyclic Hydrocarbons | $44 Million |
| Ammonia | $29 Million |
| Unspecified Commodities | $20 Million |
The table above shows a direct example of the most popular exports coming directly from the U.S. in August 2022. However, even though these commodities were popular in August of 2022, others will still be more popular and even more popular in the months and years ahead.
The table below outlines the top imports into Norway during 2021. As you can see, there is a difference between the two tables, showing that markets can fluctuate and that certain goods come from other countries around the world.
| Commodity | Value | Market Share |
| Automobiles | $12.9 Billion | 12.9% |
| Machinery and Technology | $12.4 Billion | 12.6% |
| Electric Equipment | $9.2 Billion | 9.3% |
| Oil and Mineral Fuel | $5.4 Billion | 5.5% |
| Iron or Steel | $4.4 Billion | 4.4% |
| Home goods | $3.4 Billion | 3.5% |
| Plastics | $3.2 Billion | 3.2% |
| Medical Equipment | $3.1 Billion | 3.2% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $2.9 Billion | 3% |
| Nickel | $2.4 Billion | 2.4% |
Norway itself Imports far more than it exports annually, with the bulk of all trade coming from neighboring European nations. Around 60% of Norway's imports come from Europe alone. This is not to discredit the various trade partnerships around the globe.
According to the United Kingdoms Department for International Trade, the UK has a free trade agreement with Norway, including Iceland and Liechtenstein. This agreement will naturally give an advantage to those countries over American exported goods.
However, it is essential to mention a few things relevant to this topic of exporting. Just because trade agreements or certain caveats are in place for one country doesn’t mean there is no room for opportunity regarding your exports.
Always seek out the experience and knowledge of a trained industry professional when it comes to questions about an import market and the practicality of your commodities in that space. Also, our consultants can facilitate any arrangements to make your exporting a snap.
There are certain trade restrictions placed on goods being brought into Norway. Additional documentation and permits are generally required on goods brought in through Norwegian Customs that are prohibited or restricted.
Prohibited and restricted commodities generally fall under an adjacent government authority. The following are examples of certain restricted goods and their authoritative government agency where additional documentation or permits are required.
Remember, before you export anything to Norway, always check any lists that outline prohibited and restricted goods being imported into Norway. Failure to adhere to the proper steps concerning restricted goods will result in seizure or destruction.
The overseeing authority will provide guidance and steps concerning additional paperwork or permits that may be required in conjunction with your exported goods attempting to enter the country.
You must comply with the government's value-added tax (VAT) rules when exporting goods to Norway. You are also required to be a registered exporter if you have export sales that reach or exceed 50,000 kroner or $5,007.85 in U.S. currency annually.
In Norway, as of 2022, the VAT rate on goods imported into Norway is 25%. There are, however, VAT exemptions on import taxes. You can use this helpful VAT rate search utility to check the tax status of both rates and exemptions on goods you are considering for export to Norway.
There is, in some cases, something known as a VAT exemption or exception. These two terms refer to circumstances concerning the VAT rules for imports. There is a difference between Exemptions and exceptions for Norwegian VAT:
Calculating duties on imported goods into Norway are based on the value of the commodity being brought into the country. The duty rate is calculated using the commodity code, which can be found here on the Norwegian Customs website.
There are also some cases where special taxes or additional fees apply, such as research levies. You should also factor in the exchange rates of exporting goods into Norway. You will need to calculate the exchange rate, which is given for one week during import.
Problems resulting from mismanagement of payment for taxes, duties, fees, or improper exchange rates can be costly. You will want to consult with an export professional to determine the exact specifics of your load so that you’re prepared and will not risk delays, detention, or refusal at the port.
Export requirements and documentation must be followed to the letter when shipping goods into Norway. There is a standard protocol for clearing Norwegian Customs. The information in this section is broad and generalized. You should seek out a consultant for any additional specifics.
There are requirements for product packaging, labeling, and in some cases, certification might be required depending on the commodity.
Most imports do not require special certification and are considered free-form exports. When exporting goods to Norway, look into your commodity with the Ministry of Foreign Trade or consult an experienced professional so that you don’t have any hangups at the port.
The required documentation is pretty standard regarding what international customs clearance needs.
When exporting, it is always critical to have all the necessary documentation filed out and collected to effectively clear international customs. All documentation, no matter where you export goods to, must be complete and ready if you want to avoid delays or refusal.
Goods trying to clear Norwegian customs are required to have reported taxes paid. These taxes include any VAT, duty, or excise duty. Along with paying taxes on imports coming into Norway, any goods declarations are required at that time.
Exporting goods internationally is no easy task, especially when customs clearance in another country is concerned. Correctly filing out and compiling documentation should be left in the hands of professionals. Our team is eager to help you solve any export riddles today.
Exporting to Norway can be difficult if you do not follow the proper procedure or miss a critical step. While Norwegians generally speak excellent English, barriers can present themself, and it is always a good idea to be ready for anything.
That is why the experts at Cargo Export USA are standing by, ready to answer any questions you may have concerning your exported goods. Cargo Export USA offers a wide array of services to help you along the way.
As a customer, take advantage of the latest in technology, best in business consulting, and a genuine desire to serve. Our team is ready to serve at any time or any place.You can call us at (866) 301-0635 or click here for more information on how we can help you export to Norway.
