Discusses the distribution network within the country from how products enter to final destination, including reliability and condition of distribution mechanisms, major distribution centers, ports, etc.
Last Published: 7/22/2019

Although around 300 U.S. companies have a presence or subsidiaries in Norway, the most common way of doing business is through agents and distributors.  Around 3/4 of Norway's 5.3 million people reside in the southern half of Norway.  Most major importers and distributors are headquartered in the Oslo region; some have sub-agents or sales offices in other major Norwegian cities. 

The rest of the country is made up of widely dispersed, small population centers that are expensive to serve due to long distances and high freight expenses.  There are relatively few countrywide, multi-store chains outside the apparel, sporting goods, grocery sectors, and DIY sectors, and most retailers and distributors are small by U.S. standards.  As a result, sub-agents and secondary distribution are the standard, workable method of handling Norway's scattered northern markets.  With proper market promotion and support, a good local business partner and/or an astute local office, U.S. companies have found good prospects in this small, but affluent market.  Moreover, U.S. companies may find some licensing and joint venture agreements and full Norwegian subsidiaries to be excellent vehicles for tapping upscale markets beyond Norway (e.g. the Nordic region and the Baltic states).

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.