The Norwegian government proposed the introduction of a production tax in the national budget for 2021 on salmon, trout and rainbow trout with a tax rate NOK 0.40 per kilogram produced fish. The revenues are estimated at approximately NOK 500 million. The production tax will go into effect on January 1, 2021 and tax payments are due in 2022. The regional and local governments will receive revenues from 2022 and onwards. The production tax will be channeled to the aquaculture fund and disbursed according to the prevailing distribution key.

The decision follows the government's intention of introducing a new natural-resource tax to fish farming that was initially rejected by several parties. The Norwegian government has now decided the introduction of a moderate production tax.

Since 2017, host municipalities have received a share of revenues that stems from sales of new licenses and increased capacity of existing licenses through the aquaculture fund. The production tax will include production from existing licenses that have been awarded free of charge or well below market value.